Virginia Cooperative Extension's Commitment to Civil Rights
Statement from the VCE Director
“Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) values human diversity because it strengthens our system, our programs and our lives. In fact, it is our recognition of the power of diversity that drives us to reach out to diverse audiences across the state. Diversity is sought in the people that help us determine local and state needs; diversity is sought in the audiences to whom we deliver our programs; diversity is sought in our employees and our volunteers. So as our state becomes increasingly more diverse, we have a unique opportunity to shape a world where respect for diversity is commonplace.
Besides a moral and intellectual appreciation and desire for diversity, VCE also has a legal responsibility to offer equal access to educational programs and equal opportunity in employment for people without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Our Extension administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers are expected to ensure civil rights compliance and equal access to our programs. VCE willingly participates in Civil Rights Compliance reviews by USDA. VCE routinely offers civil rights and diversity training to its employees and Extension representatives are members of the College’s Diversity Council. The Diversity Council provides college-wide leadership for promoting diversity in all forms, providing guidance in the recruitment and retention of employees, and providing support for the inclusion of all people in educational programs and services in the College.
Web-based information on our civil rights responsibilities, policies and services are organized on this page for the general public and our employees. We invite your comments and ideas on how we can build on our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion.”
Sincerely,
Edwin Jones
Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
M. Ray McKinnie
1890 Extension Administrator
Dean, College of Agriculture, Virginia State University
Pertinent U.S. Civil Rights Laws, Regulations, and Policies
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 USC 2000d.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 19 USC 794.
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC 12101 et. seq.
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 USC 601 et. seq.
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, et. seq.
- Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, P. L. 100-259, as amended by, Civil Rights
- Restoration Act of 1991, P.L. 102-166.
- USDA DR 4330-02, Nondiscrimination in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance From USDA
- Administrative Team
- Organizational Chart
- State Extension Leadership Council
- Map
- Mission and Core Values
- Commitment to Civil Rights
- 2011 - 2016 Strategic Plan
- Administrative Council for Extension and Experiment Station Research
- Secretary of Education Report
- History
- Common Ground
- Cooperative Extension — Celebrating 100 Years