Civil Rights Guidance
Civil Rights Laws, Authorities and Regulation
Several federal civil rights laws, authorities, and regulations inform and guide our civil rights obligations. For more information, visit the USDA NIFA website on Civil Rights Laws, Authorities, and Regulations.
As a land grant university that receives federal financial from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), MSU Extension is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Filing a Complaint with MSU Extension
Any person who believes they have experienced discrimination on a prohibited basis in a USDA-funded program may file a written complaint with the Director of Extension at the following address:
Director of Michigan State University Extension
Justin Morrill Hall of Agriculture
446 W. Circle Dr., Room 409
East Lansing, MI 48824
Complaints may also be submitted by email to msuedir@msu.edu.
Filing a Complaint with USDA
To file a program discrimination complaint with USDA, complainants should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF, 462 KB). The form is available online, at any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by submitting a written letter to USDA.
The letter must include the complainant’s name, address, and telephone number, along with a written description of the alleged discriminatory action. The description should provide sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) of the nature and date of the alleged civil rights violation.
The completed AD-3027 form or written complaint may be submitted to USDA through one of the following methods:
Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442
Email: program.intake@usda.gov
Filing a Complaint with MSU
Individuals who wish to file a program discrimination complaint with MSU are encouraged to report the incident(s) to the University's Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR). https://civilrights.msu.edu/
Guidelines for Mandatory Reporting to the MSU Office of Civil Rights and/or MSU DPPS for MSU Extension Employees & Volunteers
The document below outlines MSU Extension’s Employee and Volunteer guidelines for promptly reporting incidents of relationship violence, sexual misconduct, child abuse, neglect, and vulnerable adult abuse in accordance with MSU's Mandatory Reporting Policy. It includes who must report, what to report, and how to report to the MSU Office for Civil Rights and other authorities when necessary.
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