Discrimination

It is the policy of the University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture to provide equal employment opportunities and to offer all its programs to eligible participants without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.  The Division prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment, clientele or any other persons participating in Division programs or services.

Employment Discrimination:

Employment discrimination can occur when any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, training, and any term of condition of employment is based upon an individual’s protected class mentioned above, i.e. race, color, sex, etc.  Discrimination is defined as an adverse employment action or can be harassment, which is defined as repetitive, severe or pervasive behaviors or comments that create a hostile work environment based upon an individual’s protected class.

If an employee believes they have been discriminated against, complaints should be made to Barbara Batiste, bbatiste@uada.edu, (501) 671-2213.

Program Discrimination:

Any person who believes that he/she may have been discriminated against with any program or activity conducted by the Division of Agriculture may file a written complaint with the Division’s Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance or complete a USDA Program Discrimination Form, AD3027, which can be obtained online, or writing a letter that contains the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action and submit either the AD-3027 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, DC 20250-9410; or
   
   
2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
   
   
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov 

Retaliation Prohibited

 It is the Division of Agriculture's policy, and federal law prohibits any form of retaliation against a person who makes a complaint of discrimination or participates in an investigation of discrimination. Retaliation against a complainant or witness is, in itself, a violation of Division policy and the law, and is a serious separate offense.

For complete text of policy, please see Division’s Non-Discrimination Policy.