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1001 Volume III | Chapter 1 [GENERAL: NONDISCRIMINATION COMPLIANCE]
Revised 06-01-06
FEDERAL LAWS PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION The Mississippi Department of Human Services is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. No program, applicant or recipient shall be discriminated against in any aspect of MDHS administration including, but not limited to, the initial and continuing eligibility determination process, the authorization of benefits, access to hearings, and any other service for reasons of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion or political beliefs. Civil rights laws and regulations on which compliance is based include Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, implementing regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 80; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, implementing regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 84; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), implementing regulation at 28 C.F.R. Part 35. Title IV prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin. Section 504 of Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability. HOW TO FILE A DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT Individuals who believe that they have been discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, handicap, religion, national origin or political belief may file a written complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), or with the State Agency. An explanation of both the OCR and the State Agency complaint system shall be given to each individual who expresses an interest in filing a discrimination complaint, and he shall be advised of the right to file a complaint in either or both systems. 1. Complaints should contain the following information to facilitate investigations: a. The name, address, and telephone number or other means of contacting the person alleging discrimination. b. The location and name of the organization, individual or office accused of discriminatory practices. c. The nature of the incident, action, or the aspect of program administration that led the person to allege discrimination. d. The reason for the alleged discrimination (race, age, color, sex, disability, religion, national origin or political belief). e. The names, title (if appropriate), and addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the alleged discriminatory acts.