Kentucky Civil Rights Committee
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service Civil Rights Committee places emphasis on equal opportunity for Kentucky's employees and program customers. The committee strives to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable groups of society.
The committee provides guidance on federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, protected genetic information, or reprisal (retaliation) for prior EEO activity. Unlawful discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.
Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPM)
Special emphasis activities and support are an integral part of the civil rights program. Program managers assist the state conservationist, to ensure that equal opportunity is present in all programs and services. This includes providing leadership to identify under-represented groups and ensure positive actions are being taken to address any issues. Program managers provided advice and assistance to management officials in order to help meet civil rights program goals and objectives, and they ensure effective communications among all persons and areas dealing with, or affected by, agency civil rights responsibilities.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.