Civil Rights Training

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

Why Trainings?

Contractually obligated by:

State and Federal partners• USDA/TEFAP Commodities• State Products

Feeding America

Agenda Overview

• Civil Rights• 20 – 30 minutes

Civil RightsFNS Instruction 113-1

Civil Rights instruction is applicable to ALL programs and actives that receive Federal financial assistance:

● Fully Funded

● Partially Funded

Civil RightsFederal Financial Assistance is:

1. Anything of value received from the Federal government

2. Cash grants, training, excess computers, loans, property donations and any other goods or services provided with Federal funds

3. TEFAP and state commodities

Civil RightsPurpose of Civil Rights training:

1. Provides guidance and direction to Federal financial recipients and their clients

2. Explains compliance and enforcement of non-discrimination policies

3. Promotes fairness and equality of treatment

Civil Rights Authority provided through:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act 1964Americans with Disability ActTitle IX of the Education Amendments of 1972Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Age Discrimination Act of 1975The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 Food Stamp Act of 1977Executive Order 13166USDA Departmental Regulation 4330-27CFR Part 16, Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations

Civil RightsResponsibilities:

TrainingCompliance with civil right laws, regulations and requirementsEqual treatment for religious organizationsPublic Notification and AssurancesData collectionComplaint ProcessingLEP services – providing other language servicesAccommodating persons with disabilitiesConflict resolution Customer Service

Civil Rights

Civil Rights Training & Oversight:

Member Agencies

Civil Rights

Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of:

• Race• Color• National Origin• Sex• Age• Disability• Religious Creed• Political Beliefs

Civil Rights

• Types of Discrimination:Disparate Treatment

Discriminating treatment of an individual or class of people based on a particular belief

Disparate ImpactRules, policies or guidelines not intended to cause discrimination but exclude a particular class of people

RetaliationDeliberate discrimination as a response or revenge

Civil RightsExceptions:

Congress can establish a program that is intended for certain groups of people, and it is not discrimination to exclude those who do not meet eligibility requirements

Examples: WIC, senior programs, children’s programs, etc.

Civil Rights

Q: When Do Civil Rights Rules Apply?

A: Any time there is any Federal financial assistance

• USDA/TEFAP commodities• State commodities• Any training, equipment and other goods and

services supported or assisted through Federal assistance

Civil Rights

10 Requirements:1. Treat all people with dignity and respect

2. Display the USDA

“And Justice for All . . .”

non-discrimination poster

where it can be

seen by ALL visitors

Civil Rights10 Requirements:

3. Include USDA non-discrimination statement on all materials and websites that mention USDA funded programs

4. Provide public notification including:• Posted hours of operation• Program eligibility guidelines• Non-discrimination policy• Procedures to file a complaint

Civil Rights

10 Requirements:5. Maintain confidentiality

• No social security numbers• Do not discuss a person’s situation

6. Collect data when appropriate• USDA/TEFAP Eligibility Form – Form can

not be modified or other items attached• Monthly Reporting Form

Civil Rights

10 Requirements:7. Cooperate with State and Federal reviewers

8. Correct any non-compliance issues• Failure to comply with civil rights rules can lead

to loss of Federal financial assistance• Agencies may have to pay back value of the

food

9. Sexual harassment is prohibited

Civil Rights

10 Requirements:

10.Advise people on how to file a complaint:• Toll Free: 1.800.795.3272 or 202.720.6382 (TTY)

• Regional Director, Civil Rights/EEO • 77 W. Jackson Blvd, FL 20

Chicago IL 60604-3591 312.353.3353

Civil RightsAnd 2 More. . .

1. Accommodate people with disabilities Physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Disabilities are not specifically named under the ADA but include mobility, sight, hearing, etc.

2. Provide other language assistance to persons with Limited English Proficiency. (LEP)

= 12 Requirements

Civil RightsEqual Opportunity For Religious

Organizations:1. Prohibits discrimination on the basis of

religion, religious belief, or religious character in the administration of Federal funds.

2. Provided that direct USDA funds do not support any inherently religious activities such as worship or religious instruction.

Civil RightsEqual Opportunity For Religious

Organizations3. Religious organizations do NOT have to

remove religious art, icons, scriptures or other religious symbols.

4. No organization that receives direct financial assistance from the USDA can discriminate against a program beneficiary on the basis of religion or religious belief.

Civil RightsReminders:

If conflicts occur. . .

remain calm

Treat people the way they would like to be treated

Civil Rights

Please remember:1. Agencies are responsible for training

all existing and new staff and/or volunteers• Retain each Checklist for 3 years• Make sure check list are updated every

year

SUMMARY

Who receives Civil Rights instruction?

What is Federal Assistance?

Authority and Responsibility?

Discrimination

10 Requirements +2

Religious Organizations

Checklist

Civil Rights

Civil RightsQuestions?