Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Titles VI and VII) requires all programs and employment practices to be administered without regard to race, color, sex, national origin and religion. Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the Federal sector. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has made great strides over the past years in the areas of equal employment and program outreach.

What is Civil Rights?

It is the law of the land. It is the right that all people are protected from discrimination in employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or mental or physical disability.

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Civil Rights and EEO

Equal opportunity is the law of the land that applies to employment activities in both the Federal and private sectors. It is fair to say that EEO and civil rights began with the Constitution and Bill of Rights; however, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights did not mention employment discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 had the greatest impact on employment by providing protection and enforcement under the law against discrimination.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal for any employer to deny anyone a job because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title VII also prohibited discrimination in firing, promoting, training, salary, and all other privileges of employment. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC was given the responsibility to investigate EEO complaints and to attempt to resolve those complaints through conciliation and mediation.

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

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Resources

• Filing a Program Complaint - The process for those that feel they have been discriminated against for program participation.
• EEO Complaint Process - For employees or potential employees who feel they have been discriminated against for hiring or promotion.
• Nondiscrimination Statement - For use on USDA publications.
• Special Accommodations for Meetings - Individuals who need special accommodations to attend this meeting are to contact Chris Coulon at 614-255-2471 or by email at chris.coulon@oh.usda.gov
• National NRCS Civil Rights Division - National NRCS Civil Rights Program.

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NRCS Ohio Civil Rights Chairperson

Melissa Horton, Chairperson
Lancaster Service Center
831 College Avenue, Suite B
Lancaster, Ohio 43130-1081
740-653-1500 (125)
740-653-4561

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NRCS Ohio Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPM)

American Indian/Alaska Native American Emphasis Program Manager- Chris Coulon

Asian American/Pacific Islander Emphasis Program Manager- Gina Schworm

Federal Women's Emphasis Program Manager – Rebecca Scarbrough

Black Emphasis Program Manager- TaTrecia Davis

Disability Emphasis Program Manager – Sandy Chenal

Hispanic Emphasis Program Manager- Angel Arehart

Disabled Veterans Emphasis Program Manager- William Dwyer

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Emphasis Program Manager – Kevin Lewis

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