Illinois Department of Agriculture Policy Statement

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will, within its mandate in an effective and efficient manner, strive to insure equal employment opportunities and will provide a positive affirmative action program. Decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, layoff, and awarding of benefits will be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin/ancestry status, disability, age, marital status, military status, unfavorable discharge from military status, arrest record or citizenship status. The agency shall provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with a disability unless such accommodations would cause the Department undue hardship. This agency will take action to correct the underutilization of minorities, females, and persons with disability in all levels of employment. The agency will implement sexual harassment policies and programs. The support of all executive, managerial and supervisory staff in implementing the agency Affirmative Action Plan is expected by the Director. Employees, in the event that they feel that they have been the victims of discrimination, should feel free to file a complaint absent from fear of retaliation.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at (217) 782-2172 or TDD (217) 524-6858.

To file a complaint of discrimination, please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer at (217) 782-2172 or TDD (217) 524-6858.

Any person who believes he or she or any specific class of individuals has been subjected to discrimination by the Illinois Meat and Poultry Inspection Program or believes that the Illinois Meat and Poultry Inspection Program is otherwise in noncompliance with the provisions of an applicable civil rights requirement may file a complaint with the USDA Office of Civil Rights. A complainant has 180 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory action or the time that they became aware of it to file a program discrimination complaint with USDA.

Director, Office of Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 316-W Whitten Building
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410
Telephone: (202) 720-5964 (Voice and TDD)

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is an Equal Opportunity Employer.