MSU Extension Organizational Development

Civil Rights Laws, Authorities and Regulation

Several different Federal Civil Rights Laws, Authorities and Regulations help inform and direct our Civil Rights mandates.  For more information, visit the USDA NIFA website on Civil Rights Laws, Authorities, and Regulations.

Civil Rights Archive

Access county level demographic information by logging into the Civil Rights Archive on SharePoint.

And Justice For All

The And Justice for All poster must also be displayed wherever and whenever you deliver programming, as well as in every MSU Extension office location. In addition, electronic versions that can be used when conducting programs using PowerPoint are available below. Hard copy posters can be obtained by contacting Dionardo Pizaña at pizanad@msu.edu.

• And Justice for All PowerPoint Slide Landscape Version
• And Justice for All PowerPoint Slide Portrait Version

Anti-Discrimination Statements

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.  Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.  (Abbreviated Statement)

• Which Anti-Discrimination Statement should you use?
• Anti-Discrimination Statement (Arabic Version)
• Anti-Discrimination Statement  (Spanish Version)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Census Information

• US Census Bureau - data on information for specific populations such as socioeconomic status, health care, nutrition, race, etc.
• 2020 Census Data
• 2020 Agricultural Census- information about farms in the United States broken down by state and various demographics including gender, race and state.

Collecting Participant Demographic Data

• MSU Extension Demographics Data Collection Script
• MSU Extension Demographic Data Collection Form for Adults
• MSU Extension Demographic Data Collection Form for Adults - Spanish
• MSU Extension Demographic Data Collection Form for Adults - Arabic
• PEARS Crosswalk
• Demographic Data Collection Form FAQ

Parity

Question: What is the measurement for parity assessments of participant racial, ethnic, and gender (REG) data?

Answer: Each REG group’s representation in the eligible group should be reflected within 80 percent of those who benefit from a program or activity. For example, if a state’s population is 26 percent Hispanic or Latino, this group’s participation in each program category should be at or above 21 percent (.26 x .8 = .21).

Question: Where do I find REG data for my work team?

Answer: Work team REG data can be found at the links below:

• Parity Data by Work Team 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 YTD* (*2023 is YTD as of 8/28/23)
• NPA Parity Data by Grant 2020, 2021, 2022* (*2022 is YTD as of 9/12/22)

Question: Where can I find my participants REG data?

Answer: It is emailed to you annual for Individual Action Plans, usually in October. You can also view this data in our reporting system, PEARS. (reach out to Norma at nlundeen@msu.edu with PEARS questions)

About Parity is a document that can help you determine if your programs are reaching your audiences in proportion to their representation in the community. It is an essential part of our 'all reasonable effort' expectations.

Accessibility Resources

• Sign Language Interpreter Services
• Zoom Sign Language Interpreter Feature - Zoom offers a sign language interpreter feature for meetings and webinars which allows for up to 20 interpreters. This feature gives the interpreter a dedicated video channel which participants can enable, allowing them to resize and relocate the video of the interpreter on their screen.
• Meeting an Accommodation Request

Limited English Proficient Audiences

Our Language Access Plan details our approach to supporting Limited English Proficient (LEP) Audiences:

• Michigan State University Extension Language Access Plan  (February 2023)

Through Certified Languages International, MSU Extension helps provide staff with over-the-phone interpreting services. Click on the links below for additional information.

• Meeting a Language Translation/Interpreter Request
• Interpreting Services Poster
• CLI Instruction Card for Interpreting Services

Web Based Accessibility

At MSU, we serve a diverse audience that relies increasingly on the Internet for many aspects of life, including education, employment, commerce, research, health care, and recreation. In today’s society, it is essential that we provide equal access and opportunity to all our users, including those with disabilities. Accessible Design can diminish and even remove barriers to information and interaction critical to success for our faculty, staff, students, and the general public. For additional information https://webaccess.msu.edu/

Local Partner Compliance Documents

• Local Partner Compliance Letter (Word version) 
• Local Partner Compliance Letter (PDF version)
• Process and Procedure for Local Partner Compliance

Other Resources

• 4-H Club Civil Rights Compliance Statement
• Bias Free Communication:  Guidelines for Communicating in a Diverse Community is a tremendous document that can assist all of us to prepare programming materials, brochures, promotional documents, and curriculum in a way that will encourage representation from all segments of our community populations.
• MSU Extension Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Website provides a wealth of additional information, professional development opportunities, planning and reporting resources related to diversity and multicultural programming efforts, and access to multiple sources of additional educational materials.