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XI. CIVIL RIGHTS

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Division, their State agency, or their local agency. However, the local/State agency must then forward their complaint either directly to the FNS HQ Civil Rights Division or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ☒ All local agency staff are trained in discrimination complaint procedures. ☒ All written and verbal complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), or disability are accepted from applicants and participants by State agency and local agency staff and forwarded to the FNS HQ Civil Rights Division. ☒ Complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, or age are forwarded to the FNS HQ Civil Rights Division through an FNS-established complaint procedure. (Regional Office receives copy of all complaints.) ☐ State and local agencies without an FNS-approved grievance procedure for complaints alleging discrimination based on sex or disability in place forward all complaints to the FNS HQ Civil Rights Division). ☐ Complaints alleging discrimination based on sex or disability are forwarded to the State agency that has an FNS-approved grievance procedure in place.

ADDITIONAL DETAIL: Civil Rights Appendix and/or Procedure Manual (citation): XI Appendix-A Policy and Procedure 1.08, Policy and Procedure Section 1.08, Article G

2. The State agency uses a discrimination complaint form it has developed for acceptance of a complaint. ☐ Yes ☒ No

ADDITIONAL DETAIL: Civil Rights Appendix and/or Procedure Manual (citation): N/A

3. The State agency has an FNS approved complaint procedure that ensures local agencies implement specific timeframes concerning discrimination complaints: ☒ An individual has the right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. ☒All complaints are processed and closed within 90 days of receipt. 4. The State agency transfers complaints immediately upon receipt to the FNS HQ Civil Rights Division if no FNS-approved complaint procedure timeline is in place. Yes ☐ No ☒ If no, specify: West Virginia has an approved procedure. ADDITIONAL DETAIL: Civil Rights Appendix and/or Procedure Manual (citation): XI Appendix-A Policy and Procedure 1.08, Policy and Procedure 1.08, Article G- Civil Rights