Civil Rights Guidance and Resources

All college staff and volunteers are expected to understand and be in compliance with civil rights laws and regulations. As an institution administering USDA programs we must comply with the USDA Non-Discrimination Statement and applicable federal laws. For more information on USDA-NIFA civil rights and equal opportunity, please go to the NIFA's Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights. Kentucky State University employees also follow policies and regulations set forth in the University’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct and KSU’s Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Policy which can be found in the policy manual.

To assist us in meeting our civil rights obligations, Extension and Research faculty/staff can find guidance in resources below:

Laws, Authorities, and regulations

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan

USDA’s Equal Opportunity Public Notification Policy

Recipients of federal funds are prohibited to discriminate on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, reprisal, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. It is the responsibility of the federal recipient to notify the public of this mandate thus non-discrimination statements should be posted in its entirety containing these protected bases mandated in applicable federal law.

  • USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

The full Non-Discrimination Statement is required on print and non-print materials including but not limited to websites, audio, video, factsheets, newsletters, brochures, etc. Materials that are too small to include the full non-discrimination statement should include the following statement: “This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”

Filing Discrimination Complaints 

No Fear Act Resources

Reasonable Accommodations

Civil Rights Training Information for Cooperative Extension Program


2023 Internal Civil Rights Compliance Review