Nondiscrimination Statement

Purpose

In compliance with 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 and 7, Section 7.90(a), Land to Learn has established a grievance procedure to ensure prompt and fair resolution of complaints alleging violations of Title VI, Section 601 of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and/or the EPA’s Environmental Justice Policy, in the administration of Land to Learn's programs and activities.

The grievance procedure is intended to address allegations of discrimination on the basis of:

  • Race;

  • Color;

  • National origin;

  • Religion;

  • Disability;

  • Income;

  • Age; or

  • Gender.

The grievance procedure provides a process for filing a timely complaint to the proper authority and describes the process that will be used to investigate and resolve the complaint. However, the procedures do not apply to administrative actions that are being pursued in another forum.

Submission of a Complaint
1. Filing of Complaint
A person (or the authorized representative of a person) who believes that he or she or a class of persons has been discriminated against may file a complaint with Land to Learn. The complaint should:

  • be in writing;

  • be filed within 60 days of an alleged violation (except as otherwise indicated in the following paragraph);

  • describe with specificity the action(s) Land to Learn that allegedly result in discrimination in violation of 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7;

  • describe with specificity the discrimination that allegedly has occurred or will occur as the result of such action(s); and

  • identify the parties impacted or potentially impacted by the alleged discrimination.

Land to Learn may request additional information from the complainant, if this information is needed to meet the complaint requirements described above. Land to Learn may waive requirement two (2) in its discretion, in order to address allegations of potential discrimination caused by pending actions at the earliest appropriate and feasible juncture; or, for good cause, to address complaints filed more than 60 days after an alleged violation.

All written complaints shall be addressed to the following address:

Land to Learn

380 Main Street, Suite 200

Beacon, NY 12508

845-765-8899


Within 10 days of receiving a written complaint, Land to Learn will provide the complainant with written notice of receipt. At this time, Land to Learn may request any additional information needed to meet the complaint requirements above. Within 10 days of receiving any additional information, Land to Learn will provide the complainant with written notice that the complaint is complete.

2. Determination of Jurisdiction and Investigative Merit
Land to Learn, based on information in the complaint and other information available, will determine if it has jurisdiction to pursue the matter and whether the complaint has sufficient merit to warrant an investigation. A complaint shall be regarded as meriting investigation unless:

  • It clearly appears on its face to be frivolous or trivial;

  • Within the time allotted for making the determination of jurisdiction and investigative merit, Land to Learn voluntarily concedes noncompliance and agrees to take appropriate remedial action or reaches an informal resolution with the complainant;

  • Within the time allotted for making the determination of jurisdiction and investigative merit, the complainant withdraws the complaint; or

  • It is not timely and good cause does not exist for waiving the timing requirement under section A.2.

Disposition of Complaints
Within 120 days of accepting a written complaint, Land to Learn will respond in writing to the complainant with resolution.