Civil Rights & Non-Discrimination Requirements

MSU Extension must take the necessary steps to inform the public that it does not discriminate, complies with all applicable civil rights laws, and provides services that are accessible to everyone. One primary method of notifying the public of their rights to participate in Extension programs includes the use of non-discrimination statements.  

Note: The MSU Extension 4-H program has additional civil rights requirements. Guidance for the 4-H club civil rights compliance statement is available on the MSU Extension Youth Demographics and Civil Rights Compliance Resources webpage.  

Any version of the non-discrimination statement, as well as any related statements, must be formatted in at least 9-point type using a readable typeface, such as Times New Roman or Arial.  

Please copy whichever version of the statement appropriate for your intended use directly from this page into your materials.  

Civil Rights & Non-Discrimination Requirements

USDA Non-Discrimination Policy

In accordance with Federal civil rights laws 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, 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). USDA’s Non-Discrimination Statement.

Appropriate Use of Statements in Extension for print and electronic materials

A nondiscrimination statement is required on all print and electronic documents made available to the public, including those intended for participants, students, applicants, and volunteers.

Note: All nondiscrimination statements must be added to documents in Arial font, size 9.
Michigan State University is an equal opportunity provider and employer; its programs and activities are open to all without regard to personal protected identity. In accordance with Federal law, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements, and MSU policy, discrimination in USDA-sponsored programs and activities is prohibited on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. More information about these and other civil rights protections at MSU is available in MSU’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the USDA and MSU Extension.

Required on:

  • Brochures

  • Bulletins

  • Annual Reports

  • Newsletters

  • Websites

  • Social media

  • Audio and video recordings

If the print and electronic materials reference external products or services, include the following:

Note: All statements must be added to documents in Arial font, size 9. 
This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
 
Abbreviated Version:  
Michigan State University is an Equal Opportunity Provider. See MSU’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation.
This short version may be used on materials with limited space for the full statement.

Appropriate Use of Statements in Extension for outreach marketing and event announcements

Note: All statements must be added to documents in Arial font, size 9.

Michigan State University is an equal opportunity provider; its programs and activities are open to all without regard to personal protected identity. In accordance with Federal law, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements, and MSU policy, discrimination in USDA-sponsored programs and activities is prohibited on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. More information about these and other civil rights protections at MSU is available in MSU’s Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation. 

Required on: 

  • Flyers

  • Conference programs 

  • Event registrations 

Both an accommodation statement and a language access statement are required on all outreach materials and event announcements. 

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:  

Note: All statements must be added to documents in Arial font, size 9.

Reasonable modifications/accommodations for program access, including alternative formats for materials, and auxiliary aids for effective communication will be provided to participants at no cost. Requests may be submitted by email at [insert email] or by [insert alternative method with contact information] at least two weeks prior to the event. Requests received after [insert date] will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and provided when reasonable. If food is provided, add: For dietary needs contact [name] by [date]. 

For event registrations or event systems, please refer to the FAQ sheet.  

Language Access Statement:  

Note: All statements must be added to documents in Arial font, size 9.

Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. Please contact [Name] by [date]. 

For more information, MSU Extension staff can visit the FAQ Sheet. If you have any questions, please email galdamez@msu.edu.