N.C. Cooperative Extension is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the provision of programs and services. This site provides Extension’s county based employees with a collection of policies, procedures and training related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.

Civil Rights Training

Civil rights training is an integral part of Extension’s in-service training program. Training provides Extension employees and volunteers with an understanding of federal laws, regulations, instructions, policies and other guidance.

 Training Resources

Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English are limited English proficient, or LEP. These individuals may be entitled free language assistance while receiving Extension services or benefits. Our LEP resource site provides information on the language access planning and monitoring process, and resources to help you engage and serve your LEP community.

LEP Resources

Monitoring Compliance

Routine monitoring of compliance with civil rights law and regulations helps to improve access and equal opportunity for program recipients.The Extension Civil Rights Reporting System (XCR) is a repository to document the civil rights activities that support our compliance efforts.

Extension Civil Rights Reporting (XCR)

Nondiscrimination & Accommodation Statements

A nondiscrimination statement is required on to appear on print and electronic documents and websites that are made available to the public, participants, students, applicants, volunteers or employees to inform them that as an institution we do not discriminate. A sample nondiscrimination slide is available to use during virtual presentations.

An accommodation statement is required to appear on all marketing and event announcements. This statement informs participants (employees, students, and the public) of the process to obtain a reasonable accommodation.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Required Statements are to be used by all Cooperative Extension employees for county-based programming.

Although not a civil rights statement, the public cost statement is required by NC General Statute to be included when 200+ copies are printed for public distribution.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

N.C. Cooperative Extension does not discriminate in program admission or access, in the treatment of program participants, or in the provision of services. In addition, N.C. Cooperative Extension and its employees may not participate in or provide support to any organizations or efforts that would result in a program that excludes, restricts, or denies any person from participation because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.

USDA regulations issued pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 require that Extension only provide assistance to organizations that do not subject any person to discrimination because of race, color or national origin. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Extension cannot provide significant assistance to organizations that exclude any person from participation on the basis of sex. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits significant assistance to organizations that exclude persons from participation on the basis of disability. Pursuant to the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Extension cannot provide assistance to organizations which exclude persons from participation on the basis of age.

Extension employees involved in collaborative efforts are responsible for assuring that an organization or group provides services in a nondiscriminatory manner before rendering Extension assistance. Employees should provide a copy of the Notice of Nondiscrimination to each organization that Extension provides support to before joint programs are provided. Subsequent Notices of Nondiscrimination should be provided to partner organizations where there are ongoing collaborative program efforts once every 4 years. Log distribution of Notices of Nondiscrimination in the XCR system. 

Complaint Procedures

NC State University prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on a person’s protected status in University programs and activities. NC State also prohibits retaliation for any protected activity. “Protected Status” is defined as an individual’s actual or perceived: race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy or related conditions, age, disability, genetic information, religion, and veteran’s status.

Employees and individuals participating in Extension programs may file a discrimination complaint with NC State University. NC State provides a fair and equitable process for resolving reports and complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The NC State Complaint Procedures provide information and access to forms to file a complaint.

Discrimination is prohibited on the bases of race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin and retaliation or reprisal based on prior civil rights activity is prohibited in programs that receive Federal financial assistance from USDA. Individuals participating in USDA funded Extension programs may file a discrimination complaint with the USDA. The USDA Complaint Procedures provide information on how to file a complaint with the USDA.

Disability Resources

An accommodation statement is required to appear on all event announcements. This statement informs participants (employees, students, and the public) of the process to obtain a reasonable accommodation. The N.C. Cooperative Extension Required Statements are to be used by all Extension employees for county based programming.

• NC State University Accessibility Resources
• Creating Accessible Printed Documents
• IT Accessibility Handbook
• Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
• Sign Language Interpreters
• Accessible Meetings
• Effective Communication
• Making Events Accessible
• Service Animal FAQs
• Dietary Accommodations (Allergies & Religion)

• Present with real-time, automatic captions or subtitles in PowerPoint

• Managing Captions in Zoom

Inclusive Communications

• Inclusive Language Guide

• Inclusive Images

Forms and Data Collection Resources

• Demographic Data Collection Cards
• Standards for Collecting Data on Race and Ethnicity
• Parity Calculator and Parity Description
• US Census
• Census of Agriculture

Civil Rights and Employment Posters

• “And Justice for All” Posters
• Department of Labor Postings
• NC State Title IX Posters

Laws, Regulations, and Policies

As a recipient of federal financial assistance, N.C. Cooperative Extension is required to comply with federal civil rights laws which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any Extension program or activity.

Federal Laws, Regulations & Guidance

NC State University is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. As a public land grant institution, the University strives to ensure that diverse persons of any background are invited, included, and treated equally. The University also strives to maintain a campus environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and to provide an equitable and supportive process for reporting and resolving allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

NC State Policies, Regulations & Guidance

NC State Extension Civil Rights Plan