As a provision of our USDA funding, we are required to ensure that our programs, events, communications, and materials comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights Legislation. Your adherence to all Civil Rights Policies and Procedures will help us maintain compliance and ensure our programming remains accessible and inclusive for all participants. If you have questions contact William Miller, who is our USDA Civil Rights Point of Contact, at 413.545-5017 or wamiller[at]umass[dot]edu (wamiller[at]umass[dot]edu)
Event Announcements and Promotional Materials
All public-facing event announcements—including Extension programs, workshops, trainings, public meetings, and similar activities—must include our Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination statement:
The Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment is an equal opportunity provider and employer, United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. For more details or to request an accommodation, go to ag.umass.edu/civil-rights-information.
Printed Promotional Materials
If you are creating a poster, flyer, brochure, handout, or other printed promotional material, please ensure that the civil rights language above is included on the document whenever possible. Alternatively, you may include a link to the information on CAFE’s website: ag.umass.edu/civil-rights-information along with the QR code to direct participants to additional information and resources.
"And Justice For All" Posters
Each office must display the two required versions of the USDA’s "And Justice For All" poster. Please ensure they are posted in visible locations. If you need additional posters, contact on Capozzoli at jcapozzoli[at]umass[dot]edu (jcapozzoli[at]umass[dot]edu)
Translation Requirements
If program materials are translated into a language other than English, the translated materials must include the following disclaimer:
This material was originally published in English. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of translated versions, the English text remains the authoritative source. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between a translation and the original, the English text should be considered definitive.
Collecting Demographic Information from Program Participants
In 20207, CAFE will be implementing a statewide tracking system to document who is being reached by our programs. Until that system come online, please continue to gather this information based on the following guidance
- Information must be provided directly by program participants, either electronically or on a printed form
- Collect information on sex/gender using three response choices (male, female, other/prefer not to answer)
- Collect information on race and ethnicity using two different questions (and their response choices)
- What is your Ethnicity? (Hispanic/Latino, Not Hispanic/Latino, unidentified)
- What is your Race? (White, Black/African America. American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander, Two or more races, Other/Unidentified
Civil Rights Training Module
All Extension employees are required to review the UMass Extension Civil Rights Training Module within three months of their start date. The module will also be presented to staff annually during a Program Area meeting.