University of Georgia (UGA) Extension recognizes the importance of and is committed to the value of diversity and inclusion in the development and implementation of Extension programs among its staff, volunteers, and the citizens served. It is the policy of UGA Extension to provide equal employment opportunities and to offer all its programs and educational benefits to eligible participants without regard to race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Education assistance will not be provided to any organization or group that excludes individuals because of their membership in a protected class. Written assurance from all non-governmental organizations and groups with whom UGA works, that they follow nondiscriminatory practices, is kept on file. UGA Extension is committed to the intent of Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
UGA Extension administration will:
- Promote the development of an employment environment that is supportive of equity and diversity principles.
- Ensure that organizational practices respect the social and cultural diversity contained within the organization; including faculty, staff, volunteers, advisory leadership councils, and the communities we serve.
- Ensure that all Extension employees receive training and strive to achieve the requirements in civil rights rules and regulations.
- Provide equal opportunity by actively identifying and remedying barriers to participation in programs and progression in employment.
- Expect a working and learning environment free from unlawful discrimination, including harassment.
- Comply with state and federal legislation and university policies on non-discrimination and equal opportunity.
- Provide unfettered access to complaint resolution avenues, free from retaliation, for all employees and program participants.
- Ensure that all Extension employees understand equal opportunity guidelines and are in compliance with USDA-NIFA and university guidelines.
All faculty and staff are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in implementing equal opportunity requirements in Extension programs.