Civil Rights Accountability Policy and Procedures

1. PURPOSE

This Departmental Regulation (DR) establishes the civil rights accountability policy and procedures for ensuring that appropriate disciplinary or corrective actions are taken when discrimination, retaliation, civil rights violations, harassment, bullying, or related misconduct occurs. The regulation strengthens existing civil rights policies within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department) and requires agencies to establish training, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) strategies, and work to resolve complaints at the earliest possible opportunity.