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### EEO Complaints

To file an EEO complaint, visit our online Equal Opportunity eFile Module. For questions on issues or how to file a complaint you may contact the Rural Development Civil Rights staff via the contact us button below, or call them at 1-800-787-8821.

### COVID-19 Workplace Safety

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on USDA’s Response to COVID-19 Workplace Safety

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Branch is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective programs of EEO under Section 717 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), as amended, and Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act), as amended. In accordance with guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the EEO Branch ensures RD’s Title VII and Rehabilitation Act programs are legally compliant and that all employment decisions pertaining to RD employees and applicants are free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, reprisal or disability.

The EEO Branch, in collaboration with Agency senior leadership, managers, supervisors and employees, strives to maintain effective EEO programs which incorporate the six essential elements of model Title VII and Rehabilitation programs:
                    - Demonstrated commitment from agency leadership;
                    - Integration of EEO into the agency's strategic mission;
                    - Management and program accountability;
                    - Proactive prevention of unlawful discrimination;
                    - Efficiency; and
                    - Responsiveness and legal compliance.

The EEO Branch provides EEO counseling and alternative dispute resolution services in an attempt to resolve allegations of employment discrimination. Additionally, the EEO Branch provides advisory services to RD management and employees; and periodically assesses the Agency’s workforce representation, complaint activity, proposed employment actions, policies and practices in order to remove any barriers to free and open workplace competition.

                        -          EEO Library/Hot Topics        
Alternative Dispute Resolution Brochure
 
                        -          EEO Contacts        NameTitlePhoneEmail AddressKaren Ward EEO Branch Chief480-493-6848Karen.Ward@usda.govKavin JohnsonEqual Employment Specialist202-692-0100Kavin.Johnson@usda.govJulio GordonEqual Employment Specialist202-720-0960Julio.Gordon@usda.govKelli RiveraEqual Employment Specialist831-227-2918kelli.rivera@usda.govTwanisha MurphyEqual Employment Specialist530-792-5503twanisha.murphy@usda.govDarryll WoodsonEqual Employment Specialist331-321-2050darryll.woodson@usda.gov 
                        -          EEO Complaint Process        How to file a complaint
To file an EEO complaint, visit our online Equal Opportunity eFile Module.

For questions on issues or how to file a complaint you may contact the Rural Development Civil Rights staff at 1-800-787-8821

Rural Development Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint Process

Transcript of the Rural Development Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint Process Flow Chart 
 
                        -          Alternative Dispute Resolution        What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?
Alternative Dispute Resolution, or ADR, is a process USDA Rural Development uses to help employees resolve workplace disputes in an informal setting. ADR helps to avoid the cost, delay, and unpredictability of more formal dispute processes like litigation, hearings, and appeals, which can potentially take years to reach a decision. Several techniques of ADR exist, including mediation, facilitation, and early neutral evaluation, to name a few.

USDA Rural Development has selected mediation as the preferred ADR method for resolving workplace disputes. Through mediation, a neutral, impartial third-party mediator assists the people involved in the disagreement with voluntarily reaching a resolution acceptable to all. Mediators facilitate the process — they do not have the authority to make final decisions or rulings on a dispute.
 
                        -          Types of Employment Discrimination        Discrimination by Type
Learn about the various types of discrimination prohibited by the laws enforced by EEOC. We also provide links to the relevant laws, regulations and policy guidance, and also fact sheets, Q&As, best practices, and other information.
- Age
- Disability
- Equal Pay/Compensation
- Genetic Information
- Harassment
- National Origin
- Pregnancy
- Race/Color
- Religion
- Retaliation
- Sex
- Sexual Harassment
 
                        -          EEO Reports        - Rural Development FY 2022 Affirmative Action Plan for Individuals with Disabilities
- Rural Development FY 2021 Affirmative Action Plan for Individuals with Disabilities
- Rural Development FY 2020 Affirmative Action Plan for Individuals with Disabilities 
- Rural Development FY 2019 Affirmative Action Plan for Individuals with Disabilities
- Rural Development FY 2018 Affirmative Action Plan for Individuals with Disabilities
 
                        -          Resource Links        - Federal Sector EEO Portal(FedSEP)
- EEOC Website
- ADA Website
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- USDA Reasonable Accommodations and Personal Assistance Services