Civil rights reviews are collaborative processes that help Extension units and offices fulfill their obligations to all communities in Illinois. Reports and reviews are based on federal guidelines and expectations. They allow the Extension unit to demonstrate compliance procedures and best practices. Illinois Extension has a method and documentation that it follows to provide accuracy, consistency, and transparency in all processes.
Annual Civil Rights Compliance Training
Each year, staff members complete the annual training course. It provides information on the non-discrimination policies, civil rights compliance review processes, and planning and reporting. All Illinois Extension staff members are required to complete the training to satisfy individual responsibilities and expectations. The course is available through Learn @ Illinois Extension. A recorded version of the training is also available on Illinois Media Space.
Annual Unit Civil Rights Compliance Report
Illinois Extension conducts unit-based civil rights compliance reviews as a proactive way to internally monitor and determine that equity processes and operations are in adherence with university policies and state and federal laws. For the annual report, the units provide updates on the compliance processes during the fiscal year, October 1 to September 30. The annual report is designed to help Extension units track progress on goals, examine activities, and evaluate processes to measure equitable and inclusive approaches throughout the unit.
Three-Year Unit Civil Rights Compliance Review
These reviews evaluate compliance with federal, state, and local procedures for Cooperative Extension programs and activities. The goals of these reviews are to:
- identify program delivery approaches and program strengths and areas for improvement;
- assess evidence within the units of ongoing benefits to historically underserved populations and input for stakeholders;
- determine compliance with reasonable accommodations and staff knowledge of requirements and laws;
- review plans of work, methods for program announcements, and techniques for collecting and using data to determine if it depicts an underrepresentation of underserved groups, and;
- recommend changes, additions, and action plans to benefit the counties.
Civil Rights Compliance Manual
The civil rights compliance manual is an internal document developed to help staff members understand compliance processes and individual or unit responsibilities. The manual outlines the compliance review procedure, the rotation schedule for the 3-year reviews, and worksheets to help prepare staff for reporting on the civil rights compliance responsibilities. It is available on my.extension.illinois.edu.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture Reviews
NIFA compliance reviews are to strengthen relationships and provide technical assistance to grantees while demonstrating a commitment to civil rights and ensuring compliance in federally assisted programs. The review is a collaborative process with the goal of improving access, equal opportunity, and program delivery. The areas of reviews included:
i. Organizational Capacity
ii. Civil Rights Knowledge and Procedures
iii. Advisory Boards and committees
iv. Program Delivery
v. Data Collection and Integrity
vi. Non-Discrimination Based on Race, Color, and National Origin
vii. Non-Discrimination Based on Sex
viii. Protecting Youth in 4-H and Youth Extension Programs
ix. Public Notification and Outreach
x. Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities
xi. Multilingual Services