Nondiscrimination Policy
Discrimination means treating someone differently because of a particular characteristic such as race, skin color, sex, age, disability, or religion. Federal laws prohibit discrimination in programs and services, and North Dakotans also have added protections because of the North Dakota Human Rights Act of 1983.
In North Dakota, people applying for or participating in programs and activities funded by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and the North Dakota Department of Human Services cannot be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, political affiliation, disability, or status with respect to marriage or public assistance.
This standard applies to programs and services that receive funding from the federal or state human services departments including the state's eight regional human service centers, the State Hospital, the Developmental Center, and county social services.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disablity. Under the Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination is prohibited also on the basis of religion or political beliefs.
To file a complaint of discrimination, contact USDA or HHS. Write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). Write HHS, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 506-F, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C. 20201 or call (202) 619-0403 (voice) or (202) 619-3257 (TTY). USDA and HHS are equal opportunity providers and employers.
Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against by service providers covered under these provisions has 180 days to file a complaint after an alleged discriminatory act.
- Civil Rights Brochure (33kb pdf)
- Sus Derechos Civiles (15kb pdf)
- Limited English Proficiency Implementation Plan (200Kb pdf)
- DN 184 Language Identifier (119kb pdf)
The complaint can be sent to:
Beth Steffan
Civil Rights Officer / Program ADA / 504 Coordinator
N.D. Department of Human Services
600 E Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
Phone: (701) 328-3332
Toll Free: (800) 755-2671
TTY: (701) 328-3480
blsteffan@nd.gov, or the
North Dakota Department of Labor
600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept 406
Bismarck, ND 58505-0340
Phone: (701) 328-2660
Toll Free: (800) 582-8032
TTY: (701) 328-2660 or (800) 582-8032, or the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII
Federal Office Building
1961 Stout Street
Denver, CO 80294
Phone: (303) 844-4774
Program Civil Rights Officer/Program ADA/504 Coordinator
The Department of Human Services' Civil Rights Officer works to prevent and eliminate discrimination against individuals in the delivery of programs and services administered and supervised by the Department and to make all programs and activities accessible to people with disabilities.
Customers or clients who need accommodations or who have questions or complaints related to discrimination and the delivery of human services should contact the Program Civil Rights Officer above.
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