Title VI program

Did you know?
Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin is illegal and prevents minorities from gaining equal access to services and benefits to which they are entitled.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture, as a recipient of federal funds, may not directly or indirectly discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin by:
Denying program services or benefits;
Providing a different service or benefit or providing them in a manner different than they are provided to others; or
Segregating or separately treating individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any service or benefit.

How do I get more information?
Please visit GDA's Title VI webpage at http://www.agr.georgia.gov/title-vi.aspx or please contact GDA's Non-Discrimination Coordinator:
Michelle Denson Non-Discrimination Coordinator 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Telephone: 404-656-2110 titlevi@agr.georgia.gov
Language Assistance
Free language assistance is available upon request. . Asistencia en idioma espaol gratuita, disponible previa solicitud.
Georgia Department of Agriculture
19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Title VI Program

What is Title VI?
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin with regard to programs receiving federal financial assistance.
Title VI 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."
Likewise, Executive Order 13166 clarifies that all agencies receiving federal funding must provide services that are accessible to persons with limited English proficiency.
What is limited English proficiency or LEP?
LEP is defined as the inability to speak, read, write, or understand the English language at a level that permits a service recipient to interact effectively with staff in accessing public services and benefits.

What is GDA's Title VI Policy?
It is GDA's policy to provide meaningful access to the programs, services, and activities administered by GDA. GDA will not tolerate discrimination against any person seeking to participate in, or receive the benefits of, any program or activity offered or conducted by GDA.
How is "meaningful access" achieved?
GDA has a written Language Access Plan (LAP), which sets forth written procedures designed to ensure meaningful access to all GDA programs and activities by all persons, including access by LEP individuals. In part, the LAP ensures that language assistance, such as qualified interpreters and translators, are provided at no cost and in a timely manner.
How do I request language assistance?
Please contact the GDA Non-Discrimination Coordinator:
Michelle Denson Non-Discrimination Coordinator 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive S.W.,
Room 227 Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Telephone: 404-586-1152 titlevi@agr.georgia.gov

How do I report discrimination with regard to GDA programs or services?
Any person who believes he/she has been discriminated against with respect to GDA programs or activities may file a complaint with the Non-Discrimination Coordinator.
Any individual who files a complaint or testifies, assists, or participates in a non-discrimination investigation, proceeding, or hearing may not be intimidated or retaliated against by the Department for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege guaranteed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
How do I file a complaint?
You may file a signed, written complaint within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination. The complaint should include:
Your name, address, and telephone number;
Basis of the discrimination (race, color, national origin, etc.);
How, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much specific, detailed information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination and any other relevant information; and
Name(s) of any witness(es) who the GDA Non-Discrimination Coordinator may contact.
Your complaint must be signed, dated, and submitted to the GDA Non-Discrimination Coordinator.