Civil Rights Information & Resources

How to Report Concerns Around Discrimination

If you want to report your concerns about discrimination, use any of the following contact methods:

1. First consider writing to the UMass Extension state office, 101 University Drive STE C-1, Amherst, MA 01002-2376 or call the main UMass Extension number at 413-545-4800 to discuss the situation, to determine remedies, or to request the appropriate University, state or federal complaint procedures and forms. Also see http://www.umassextension.org/civilrights
   
   Other ways to bring forth your concerns around discrimination include:
2. Contact the University of Massachusetts Equal Opportunity & Diversity office. See UMass EOD Grievance Procedure: http://www.umass.edu/eod/grievance.html
3. Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD):  A state agency that monitors discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, loans, and educational opportunities. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged unlawful practices may file a concern here.
   Offices are:
• Western Mass:
  436 Dwight Street, Suite 220
  Springfield, MA 01103
  Phone: 413-739-2145
• Central Office:
  One Ashburton Place, Room 601
  Boston, MA 02108
  Phone: 617-727-3990
• Also See: http://www.mass.gov/mcad/
4. Write to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W Whitten Building, 14th & Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 or go to: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing.htm

Non-Discrimination Clauses:

Use the long form in all instances, except for small brochures, business cards and web email trailers where the short form may be used in a readable print size no smaller than the body of the text.

Short Form:
UMass Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Contact your local Extension office for information on disability accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 413-545-4800 or see www.umassextension.org/civilrights.

Long Form:
UMass Extension provides equal access to its programs for all persons and is an equal opportunity provider and employer, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating.  It is the policy of UMass Extension to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination and to prohibit discrimination and harassment against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and veteran, marital or family status. Harassment of Extension program participants, faculty, staff or students will not be tolerated. 

UMass Extension encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.  If you anticipate needing special accommodations, have questions about the physical access provided, or require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, English as a Second Language materials; etc.), please contact your local Extension office before your visit. 

If you want to express concerns about discrimination, contact the state UMass Extension Director’s Office at 413-545-4800 or write to: UMass Extension, University of Massachusetts, 101 University Drive, Ste C-1, Amherst, MA 01002. For university, state or USDA agency contact information, see www.umassextension.org/civilrights.