Civil Rights Guidance

As a Land Grant University that receives financial support from the 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, which prohibits discrimination in federally assisted programs, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in federal employment practices. 

MSU Extension also believes fully in its principle of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion because we know that human differences enrich our lives, work and community. We embrace our responsibility to be a resource for all, regardless of their cultural, ethnic or economic background.

Although there are clear distinctions between diversity concepts and compliance concepts, there is considerable linkage and overlap. That linkage is that our actions reflect what we believe. What is expected of us and the mechanisms used to demonstrate those actions are known as Civil Right Compliance

Filing a Civil Rights Complaint

Michigan State University prohibits discrimination in its programs based on age, color, gender, gender identity, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight. See the University’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Any person who believes that they have been discriminated against on one of these bases within a USDA funded program may file a written complaint with the Director of Extension, Michigan State University Extension, Justin Morrill Hall of Agriculture, 446 W. Circle Dr., Room 409, East Lansing, MI 48824 or by email at msuedir@msu.edu.

To file a program discrimination complaint through USDA, a complainant should complete a Form AD 3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF, 462 KB), which can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 (PDF, 462 KB) form or letter must be submitted to USDA by 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

For additional information, view the document "HOW TO FILE A CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT"