Anti-Discrimination Compliance
Because it matters and because we must!
Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 provides 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. The Act goes on to explain that the statute shall not be construed to authorize action with respect to any employment practice of any employer, employment agency, or labor organization (except where the primary objective of the Federal financial assistance is to provide employment). Section 13 of the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act provides that no person in the United States shall on the ground of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. Employment discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in all such programs or activities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall solely by reason of disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited in all such programs or activities. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 provides that no person on the basis of age shall be excluded from participation under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination is not covered. Age discrimination in employment is prohibited by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act administered by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides that no person in the United States on the basis of sex shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Employment discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited in all such education programs or activities. Note: an education program or activity is not limited to only those conducted by a formal institution. 40 C.F.R. Part 5 implements Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 40 C.F.R. Part 7 implements Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 13 of the 1972 Amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
REAP Climate Center Nondiscrimination Notice
REAP Climate Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its programs or activities. This policy is in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
For inquiries regarding our nondiscrimination policies, please contact:
Compliance Team c/o Jonathan DeLong
909 Marina Village Pwky, #234
Alameda, CA 94501-1048
(510) 214-6669
compliance@reapcenter.org
Grievance Procedures
1. Purpose
The REAP Climate Center is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. In compliance with 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, these grievance procedures are established to ensure the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by these regulations.
2. Scope
These procedures apply to all participants, employees, applicants, and beneficiaries of REAP Climate Center programs or activities who believe they have been subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
3. Filing a Complaint
3.1 Who May File
Any individual who believes they have been subjected to discrimination may file a complaint.
3.2 Time Limit
Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. Extensions may be granted for good cause at the discretion of the Compliance Coordinator.
3.3 How to File
Complaints should be submitted in writing and signed by the complainant or their authorized representative.
3.4 Where to File
Submit complaints to:
Compliance Team c/o Jonathan DeLong
909 Marina Village Pkwy, #234
Alameda, CA 94501-1048
(510) 214-6669
3.5 Content of Complaint
The complaint should include:
Complainant's name, address, and contact information.
A detailed description of the alleged discriminatory act(s).
The date(s) of the alleged discrimination.
Names and contact information of any witnesses.
Any relevant documentation.
4. Acknowledgment and Preliminary Review
4.1 Acknowledgment
The Compliance Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing within five (5) business days.
4.2 Preliminary Assessment
Determine whether the complaint falls under the purview of 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7.
If the complaint is outside the scope, the complainant will be notified in writing with an explanation.
5. Investigation Process
5.1 Initiation
An impartial and thorough investigation will commence within ten (10) business days of acknowledgment.
5.2 Investigator
The Compliance Coordinator or a designated qualified investigator will conduct the investigation.
5.3 Methods
The investigation may include:
Interviews with the complainant, respondent, and witnesses.
Review of documents, policies, and other relevant evidence.
5.4 Rights During Investigation
Both parties have the right to present evidence and witnesses.
Both parties may have a representative or advisor present during meetings.
6. Determination and Resolution
6.1 Determination
A written determination will be issued within sixty (60) calendar days of the complaint filing.
6.2 Content of Determination
Findings of fact.
Conclusion regarding the violation of 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7.
Actions to be taken, if any.
6.3 Notification
Both the complainant and respondent will receive the determination simultaneously.
6.4 Corrective Actions
If discrimination is found, appropriate remedial actions will be implemented promptly.
7. Appeal Process
7.1 Right to Appeal
Either party may appeal the determination if dissatisfied with the outcome.
7.2 How to Appeal
Submit a written appeal within fifteen (15) calendar days of receiving the determination to:
REAP Board of Directors
909 Marina Village Pkwy, #234
Alameda, CA 94501-1048
(510) 214-6669
7.3 Appeal Review
The appeal will be reviewed by an impartial official not involved in the initial determination.
7.4 Final Decision
A written final decision will be issued within thirty (30) calendar days of the appeal filing.
8. Prohibition of Retaliation
Retaliation against any individual for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Any acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be addressed promptly.
9. Confidentiality
9.1 Confidential Handling
All information will be kept confidential to the greatest possible extent and consistent with a thorough investigation.
9.2 Disclosure
Information may be disclosed as necessary to conduct the investigation or required by law.
10. Recordkeeping
10.1 Maintenance of Records
All records related to complaints and investigations will be maintained securely for at least three (3) years.
11. Alternative Filing Options
11.1 External Complaints
Filing an internal complaint does not preclude the complainant from filing a complaint with external agencies such as:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Civil Rights
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW (Mail Code 1201A)
Washington, DC 20460
Email: Title_VI_Complaints@epa.gov
12. Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
12.1 Accommodations
Individuals requiring accommodations to participate in the complaint process should notify the Compliance Coordinator.
13. Policy Distribution
13.1 Availability
These procedures will be made available upon request to all employees and participants.