Civil Rights Information & Resources
Complaint Procedure Directions for Staff and Faculty
1. For immediate civil rights related complaints, direct the individual to contact the Extension Director in writing or by phone as listed below on the long form of the UMass Extension Non-discrimination statement. Explain to them that the Director will also refer them to the University Equal Opportunity and Diversity complaint form if they do not wish to discuss the incident with the Director or that they may also contact Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination or USDA Office of Civil Rights web sites and obtain complaint information.
For information on how to file a USDA Program Discrimination Complaint letter and related links go to: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_program.html
Non-Discrimination Statement, Long Form
“UMass Extension prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
UMass Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape; etc.) should contact their local Extension office for reasonable accommodations information or contact the main Extension office in Amherst.
Those who wish to file a complaint of discrimination are urged to contact the Extension Director to first discuss the situation and determine remedies or to request the appropriate University, state or federal complaint procedure and forms.
Contact information: UMass Extension, University of Massachusetts, 101 University Drive, Suite C1, Amherst, MA 01002; telephone: 413-545-4800, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. All such calls will be promptly responded to.”
2. Any individual may bring forth a discrimination complaint to the University EOD office. If they do not wish to contact the Director, they may be directed to our web site and the Civil Rights Resource Page for links to the University’s Complaint Procedure and forms. UMass EOD Grievance Procedure: http://www.umass.edu/eod/grievance.html
3. Individuals who do not wish not to contact the University about a discrimination complaint may also contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination: http://www.mass.gov/mcad/ Under Chapter 151B, Massachusetts General Laws Annotated, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person(s) on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, handicapped condition or, veteran status. The MCAD, a state agency, monitors discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, loans, and educational opportunities. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged unlawful practice may file a complaint with this agency. The offices to contact are:
Springfield Office: Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, 436 Dwight Street, Suite 220 Springfield, MA 01103 Phone: 413-739-2145
Central Office: Massachusetts Association Against Discrimination, One Ashburton Place, Room 601, Boston, MA 02108 Phone: 617-727-3990
