Employee Complaint

Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint

USDA prohibits discrimination against its employees. Employees who believe they have been discriminated based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (if 40 or over), disability, reprisal (for prior participation in an EEO activity or having opposed discrimination), political affiliation, marital status, parental status, or genetic information, may apply for an EEO complaint.

Informal EEO Complaint Process

Electronic Filing:

The USDA offers the “EEO eFile.” This is an online filing process that allows you to track the status of your complaint.

EEO Counselor Processing:

• Contact an EEO Counselor within 45 days of the alleged incident and
• Reach out to the counselor assigned to the agency/office involved

The EEO Counselor will:

• Gain basic information
• Obtain your contact details
• Explain your rights and responsibilities
• Offer you the option of EEO counselor or Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Formal EEO Complaint Process:

A Complaint of Employment Discrimination Form will be provided with the NRF. Upon receiving this note, you will have 15 days to file the formal complaint. Your written complaint must contain:

1. Your name, address and phone number along with your representative's information.
2. Name of the USDA agency you believe discriminated against you;
3. Basis of discrimination (you may have more than one);
4. Specific details of the incident, including the date;
5. Name and number of your EEO counselor;
6. Corrective action requested.

Formal EEO complaint against any USDA Agency, mail to:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Center for Civil Rights Enforcement
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9440

Formal EEO complaint
Formal EEO complaints against USDA's Staff Offices, Departmental Administration, or the USDA Graduate School, mail to:

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Center for Civil Rights Enforcement
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9440