Notes

Outline

Components of MAFES Civil Rights Plan Clifford J. Hampton MAFES Special Affairs Advisor

Terms Civil Rights Rights afforded by the constitution of US Affirmative Action Goals, programs used to engage the under-represented Underrepresented Groups traditionally not participating

Civil Rights Plan’s Components Justice for All Posters Non-discrimination Statement Increase participation of the Underrepresented Accommodate the Disabled Diversify mail list Obtain Assurance Statements

Components of Civil Rights Plan Continued Targeted Research for the underrepresented Recruit and employ a diverse workforce Participate in Civil Rights/EEO training Communicate Program Complaints Procedures Utilize Employment Complaint Procedures

Justice For All Poster “Justice For All” posters are required in all MAFES office buildings Posters should be displayed in office entrances and conference rooms Posters may be obtained by contacting MAFES administration

Non-discrimination Statement Mississippi State “MAFES” non-discrimination statement should be on all written communication disseminated to the public The statement should be written on publications, news releases, and other written materials On public announcements, it should be noted that the program is open to the public

Increase Participation of the Underrepresented Seek minorities and underrepresented groups on committees, Advisory Councils Send personal invitation to these groups Seek assistance in promoting opportunities Utilize the New Customers Prototype to increase minority participation Membership should represent the  potential recipient base

Accommodate the Disabled Use all reasonable efforts to accommodate the disabled Request RSVP for needed accommodations when promoting events, field days, etc to ensure full participation by the impaired Hold meetings in accessible facilities Offer special programs upon request

Accommodate the Disabled Continued Accommodations can include:  visits, calls, modified publications Translators, close captioning locating individuals closer to speakers  providing program materials in different formats on request

Diversify Mail List Mailing lists should be representative of the enterprise/commodity potential base If mailing lists exist, seek to include women and minorities Federal review will include mailing list diversity

Obtain Assurance Statements When cooperating with private groups on a continuous basis, a signed assurance statement must be on file An assurance statement attests to the group’s  non-discriminatory policy A master list should be in Extension and MAFES departments and offices

Targeted Research for the Underrepresented Utilizing a diverse planning committee, target research for ethnic minorities, women and other underrepresented groups within your enterprise, as appropriate

Recruit and Employ a Diverse Workforce Ensure diverse selection committees Women, minorities, other underrepresented job description reflects essential duties Promote job in non-traditional outlets Increase diversity of applicant pools Hire the best qualified candidate

Participate in Training Employees should participate in civil rights, equal employment opportunity or diversity training annually Keep records of trainings

Communicate Program Complaints Procedures If a client alleges their civil rights violated, seek to resolve the issue If higher authority is requested, accommodate Inform your supervisor, myself or other members of admin.of the allegations Client may file a written complaint

Utilize Employment Complaint Procedures Employees with discrimination complaints should seek to address with the individual(s) involved or the immediate supervisor, as appropriate Employees may contact the MAFES Special Affairs Advisor, Director, or Associate Director If needed, can contact Human Resources or Director of Diversity and Equity Programs with concerns/complaints Hopes are to resolve internally and/or at MSU

For More Information Contact Clifford Hampton MSU-ES/MAFES