In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, The City of Beardstown is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, religion, familial status color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
The City of Beardstown does not discriminate in admission, access to, treatment or employment in programs or activities on the basis of a handicap in violation of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Discrimination
In the United States it is illegal to discriminate or be discriminated against in regards to employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit or business based on:
Race, Color, Creed, Religion, National Origin, Sex (Male/Female), Marital Status, Disability, Public Assistance, Age, Sexual orientation, and Familial Status.
If you believe you have been discriminated against because of one of these reasons you may contact the following agencies for assistance.
Illinois Department of Human Rights
Springfield Office (FEPA)
217-785-5100
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chicago District
800-669-4000
TTY: 1-800-669-6820
www.eeoc.gov
U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel
for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices
(for discrimination specific to hiring and firing decisions)
800-255-7688
Discrimination in Government Programs
There are Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in government programs if the discrimination is based on:
Race, Color, National, Origin, Disability, Age, Sex, and Religion.
Here are some of the institutions, programs and service providers that may receive Federal program funds:
- Hospitals
- Medicaid and Medicare
- Physicians and other health care professionals in private practice with patients assisted by Medicaid
- Family Health Centers
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers
- Nursing Homes
- State agencies that are responsible for administering health care
- Foster Care Homes
- Day Care Centers
- Senior Citizen Centers
- Nutrition Programs
- State and local income assistance and human service agencies
How to File a Complaint of Discrimination with the Office of Civil Rights
If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, disability, age, and in some cases sex or religion, by an entity (recipient) receiving financial assistance from the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services, you or your representative may file a complaint with OCR. Complaints must be filed within 180 days from the date of the alleged discriminatory act. OCR may extend the 180-day deadline if you can show “good cause.” Include the following information in your written complaint, or request a Discrimination Complaint Form from OCR:
Your name, address and telephone number. You must sign your name.
If you file a complaint on someone’s behalf, include your name, address, telephone number, and statement of your relationship to that person – e.g. spouse, attorney, friend, etc.
- Name and address of the institution or agency you believe discriminated against you.
- How, why and when you believe you were discriminated against.
- Any other relevant information.
Send the complaint to the Regional Manage at the appropriate OCR Regional Office or to OCR Headquarters as the following address:
Directory
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
H.H.H. Building, Room 509-F
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-619-0403
E-Mail: ocrmail@hhs.gov
Website: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr
