Non-Discrimination Statement & How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency)*, sex (including pregnancy or parental status), age, disability, religion, and political beliefs. (Not all bases apply to all programs.) Reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity is prohibited. Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program and incident type.

*Title VI’s protection from race, color, or national origin discrimination extends to individuals based on their (i) actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, or (ii) citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity.

Program information:

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language and/or format, and/or other services to make program information more accessible.

Complaints/Incidents

To file a program discrimination complaint with USDA, you must complete USDA’s complaint form or write USDA a letter:

  • You can find the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) online in English and Spanish at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint, at any USDA office, or you can request a copy by calling (866) 632-9992.
  • If you choose to write a letter, it must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation.
  • Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
    • (1) mail:
      U.S. Department of Agriculture
      Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
      1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
      Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
    • (2) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

You may also report an incident to the UW-Madison Office of Compliance.

  • The University of Wisconsin-Madison is committed to providing equal opportunity in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and University of Wisconsin System and university non-discrimination policies and procedures, including the UW System Policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, and the university Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence.  
  • For more information on prohibited conduct, visit the Office of Compliance Civil Rights Investigations webpage.
  • USDA deadline for sexual harassment and sexual violence complaints: If someone uses the UW-Madison complaint process and chooses to file the complaint with USDA, they must file the complaint with USDA within 60 days after the UW-Madison process ends.