Skip to main content
OKState.edu
Ferguson College of AgAg Research
Quicklinks
/
Search
Close

Search

Go back to top of page

Extension

Open Main MenuClose Main Menu
ABOUT EVENTS News PROGRAMS & SERVICES FACT SHEETS TOPICS COUNTY OFFICES
ABOUT EVENTS News PROGRAMS & SERVICES FACT SHEETS TOPICS COUNTY OFFICES
Ferguson College of AgAg Research

Search

Go back to top of page

Situation

Individuals may have questions, concerns, or complaints about OCES’s policies or practices related to Equal Employment Opportunities/Affirmative Action or about program discrimination or accessibility.

Principle

OCES is committed to compliance with applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to the openness of our programs and employment opportunities to all.  This is consistent with Oklahoma State University’s prohibition of discrimination against employees, students, or applicants:  Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https://eeo.okstate.edu.

 

It is important that we promptly address any concerns about discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. Discrimination or harassment is addressed by OSU’s Non-discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy 3-0745; Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy 1-0101; Sexual Misconduct Interim Policy; Gender Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Policy & Title IX Grievance Procedure Policy 1-0702; Student Discrimination Policy 2-0823.

 

Complaints related to civil rights compliance in Extension programs may be filed by any individual, group of program recipients, potential program recipients, employee or student. In addition, the public must be told of their right to file a discrimination complaint.

 

Policy

The public is told of the right to file a complaint through the use of two avenues:  1) the USDA "And Justice for All" poster; and 2) the non-discrimination statement printed on all program marketing materials announcing the program to the public.

 

The USDA Justice for All posters must be visibly displayed to the public in all Extension program locations and the main county business office. The USDA poster advises participants that they can file complaints with the Office of Civil Rights at USDA. This office will investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination in programs operated or assisted by USDA, including Cooperative Extension programs.

 

Another means in which the public is told of this right to lodge a discrimination complaint is by providing clients with the OSU non-discrimination statement that points to the OSU Discrimination Complaint Intake Questionnaire and by following OEO Instructions. The questionnaire is for use by OSU employees when there is an allegation of a civil rights violation by program participants, employees or students. This complaint notification should be provided to all Extension program participants on request or when a complaint is made known. The complaint notification offers the following contacts for persons that feel they have been denied access to services or programs on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions:

 

  • The individual providing the program, if they feel comfortable doing so
  • The County Extension Director (local county extension office)
  • The District Director (local district director office)
  • The OSU Equal Opportunity/Title XI Office (201 General Academic Bldg; Stillwater, OK 74078; (405) 744-1156)
  • The DASNR Human Resources Office (235 Legacy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078; (405) 744-5524)
  • United States Department of Agriculture at:
    USDA
    Director, Office of Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Ave, SW
    Washington, DC 20250-9410
    (or call USDA at (202) 720-2600)

For specific information about how or what to include in a complaint letter to the USDA, visit: the USDA website or the FAQ.

 

Students and employees are made aware of their rights through onboarding, required annual training, communications from our OSU President and the division level Dean. Applicants are made aware of polices through statements made on OSU public job ads and OSU Office of Equal Opportunity and Human Resource webpages. 

 

Extension Organizational Guidelines

OCES encourages, but does not require, clients to try to resolve complaints with the Extension employee or supervisor providing the program or service at the local level or district office. However, if that is not possible, or if the client’s complaint is not resolved to their satisfaction, then clients should be provided with the OSU Intake Questionnaire. Once an allegation has been made that contains any element of discrimination or harassment, the appropriate individuals within OCES and DASNR HR and/or OSU OEO will investigate the complaint.  

MENUCLOSE