TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NOTE?

SUBJECT:
Sponsor Responsibilities for Reporting Civil Rights Complain
1. Discrimination Exists Because Of
  1. Persons Who May Have Knowledge Of The Discriminatory Action

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NOTE

No. 2006-24

School Business Services

Food and Nutrition Management

Contact: Irene Wimbush

Department of Education

Sponsor Responsibilities for Reporting Civil Rights

TO:

Sponsors of the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special Milk

Diane Santoro, Administrator

Food and Nutrition Management

Sponsor Responsibilities for Reporting Civil Rights Complaints

This document supports the mission of Florida’s K-20 education system to increase the proficiency of

all students within one seamless, efficient system. Through this and other modes of assistance, the

office of Food and Nutrition Management supports the State Board of Education’s goal to deliver

quality, efficient services (Section 1008.31(3), Florida Statutes).

Any person alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability has a

right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. All complaints, written

or verbal, must be accepted by the School Food Authority and forwarded to the address listed below.

The USDA requires notification within three working days of the reported complaint. Please forward

notification of all civil rights complaints to:

Diane Santoro, Administrator

Florida Department of Education

Food and Nutrition Management

325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1044

Tallahassee, Florida 32399

It is necessary that the information in the complaint be sufficient to determine the identity of the

agency or individual to which the complaint is directed, and to indicate the possibility of a violation.

Anonymous complaints are to be handled as any other complaint.

DIANE SANTORO, ADMINISTRATOR

FOOD AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT

325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 1044 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (800) 504-6609 • www.fldoe.org

Suncom 205-0460 • FAX (850) 245-9263• diane.santoro@fldoe.org

Technical Assistance Note 2006-24

In the event that a complainant makes an allegation verbally or through a telephone conversation and

refuses or is unable to place such allegations in writing, the person to whom the allegations are made

should document the complaint for the complainant. Every effort should be made to have the

complainant provide the following information:

Name, address, and telephone number of the complainant.

The specific location and name of the entity delivering the program service or benefit.

The nature of the incident(s) or action(s) that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a

The basis on which the complainant feels discrimination exists (race, color, national origin, sex,

age, or disability).

The names, titles, and addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the discriminatory

The date(s) when the alleged discriminatory action occurred, or, if continuing, the duration of

A copy of the sample Complaint of Discrimination form is enclosed for use in documenting civil

rights complaints. Although this form is designed to capture all of the required information outlined in

this technical assistance note, you may choose to develop another compl

int form providing it

addresses all reporting requirements.

All civil rights complaints received by Food and Nutrition Management will be forwarded via the

Regional Office to the USDA Office of Civil Rights and to the Civil Rights Division at Food Nutrition

Service Headquarters.

If you have questions, please contact Irene Wimbush at (800) 504-6609 or irene.wimbush@fldoe.org.

int Discrimination Form

Any person alleging discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender,

age or disability has a right to file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged

discriminatory action.

YOUR LETTERHEAD

COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE MAILED TO:

USDA Regional Director

Special Nutrition Programs

Southeast Regional Office

61 Forsyth Street S.W.

Atlanta, GA 30303-3415

Complainant

(Person Or Group That Alleges Discrimination)

Name _____________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________

_____________________________ State________ ZIP_______

List other ways to contact you ______________________________________

Complaint Against (Entity delivering program service or benefit)

Name _____________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________

City _____________________________ State________ ZIP_______

Nature of incident(s) or action(s) that led the complainant to feel

discrimination was a factor (You may write on the back of this form if you need more space)

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

during which discriminatory action occurred _____________________________

If Continuing, the duration of such action______________________________________

Discrimination Exists Because Of

National Origin

Persons Who May Have Knowledge Of The Discriminatory Action

Name______________________________

Title________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

Name______________________________

Title________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

Date Complaint Sent to USDA Regional Director:____________

“In accordance with Federal law, and US Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating

on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA,

Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or

(202)720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”