Civil Rights

STATEMENT OF POLICY

As a recipient of Federal funding, Alabama A&M University Research Experiment Station housed under the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS) is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that no person in the United States, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Presidential Executive Order 12898 addresses environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. Presidential Executive Order 131166 addresses services to those individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The rights of women, the elderly, and disabled are protected under related statutes. These Presidential Executive Orders and the related statutes fall under the umbrella of Title VI.

CALNS is committed to enforcing the provisions of Title VI and protecting the rights and opportunities of all persons associated with CALNS or affected by its programs. Alabama A&M University’s commitment includes vigorously enforcing all applicable laws and regulations that affect CALNS and those organizations, both public and private which participate and benefit through our programs.

CALNS will take positive and realistic affirmative steps to ensure that all persons and/or groups wishing to participate in its programs are given an equal and equitable chance to participate. CALNS sub-recipients and contractors are required to prevent discrimination and ensure nondiscrimination in all of their programs, activities, and services.

The Director of 1890 Research Programs is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and policy to ensure compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act for the CALNS’ research and education programs. Any person(s) or firm(s) who feels that they have been discriminated against is encouraged to report such violations to:

James Bukenya, Ph.D.
Office fo Research Compliance and Civil Rights Coordinator
Alabama A&M University

College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS)
300A Dawson Building
Normal, AL 35762

256.372.5279 (o)
256.372.5911 (f)

research.compliance@aamu.edu

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

This document outlines the Title VI complaint procedures related to providing programs, services, and benefit. However, it does not deny complainant the right to file formal complaints with the USDA-NIFA’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, or any other State and Federal Agencies to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination, intimidation or retaliation of any kind that is prohibited by law.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that no person in the United States, on the grounds of race, color, or national origins be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

To date, there are no active investigations, complaints filed or reported.

PROCEDURE

1. Any person who believes that they have been subject to discrimination may file a written complaint with the CALNS 1890 Research Director. Federal and State law requires complaints be filed within one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the last alleged incident.
2. The complainant may fill out the complaint form online or request the complaint form from the CALNS 1890 Research Director’s Office. The complainant may also submit a written statement that contains all of the information identified in Section 3 (a) through (g) below.
3. The complaint will include the following information:
4. Name, address, and telephone number of the complainant.
5. The basis of the complaint; i.e., race, color, national origin, sex, elderly or disabled.
6. The date or dates on which the alleged discriminatory event occurred.
7. The nature of the incident that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a factor.
8. Name, address, and telephone number of persons who may have knowledge of the event.
9. Other agencies or courts where complaint may have been filed and a contact name.
10. Complainant’s signature and date.
11. If the complainant is unable to write a complaint/upload, the CALNS staff will assist the complainant. If requested by complainant, CALNS will provide a language or sign interpreter.
12. The complaint may be sent or faxed to the following address:

James Bukenya, Ph.D.
Office fo Research Compliance and Civil Rights Coordinator
Alabama A&M University

College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS)
300A Dawson Building
Normal, AL 35762

256.372.5279 (o)
256.372.5911 (f)
research.compliance@aamu.edu

1. A complainant may file a complaint directly with the US Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights by completing a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

 

1. CALNS will begin an investigation within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of a complaint.
2. CALNS will contact the complainant in writing no later than thirty (30) working days after receipt of complaint of additional information, if needed to investigate the complaint. If the complainant fails to provide the requested information in a timely basis, CALNS will administratively close the complaint.
3. CALNS will complete the investigation within ninety (90) days of receipt of the complaint. A written investigation report will be prepared by the investigator. The report shall include a summary description of the incident, findings, and recommendations for disposition.
4. The Director will review the report. A closing letter and exit interview will be provided to the complainant. The respondent will also receive a copy of the closing letter. Each will have five (5) working days from receipt of the report to respond. If either party responds negatively or has additional information to provide, an informal meeting will be arranged by the Director of 1890 Research Programs. If neither party responds, the complaint will be closed.
5. The investigation report with recommendations and correction actions taken will be forwarded to the appropriate University, state or federal agency, the complainant, and respondent.
6. CALNS will advise complainants of their appeal rights to the appropriate federal agency.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Fill out the Title VI Program Public Comment Form online

NOTIFYING THE PUBLIC RIGHTS UNDER TITLE VI

• CALNS operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes she or he has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with CALNS.
• Notification of policies are posted in our Office, Research Buildings, Residence Halls, Conference Rooms, and distributed via email.
• For more information on CALNS civil rights program, and the procedures to file a complaint visit https://www.aamu.edu/academics/colleges/agricultural-life-natural-sciences/about/title-vi.html, or contact CALNS 256-372-5729, or visit our administrative office at Alabama A&M University College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS), Dawson Building (3^rd Floor) Normal, Alabama 35762.
• Inquiries or complaints related to Title VI may be sent in writing to Alabama A&M University College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS) 314 Dawson Building, Normal, Alabama 35762.
• A complainant may file a complaint directly with the USDA-NIFA by filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
• If information is needed in another language, contact CALNS at 256-372-5279.