The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new online portal aimed at improving the management of civil rights discrimination complaints. This initiative, called the USDA Civil Rights Management System (CRMS) Program Discrimination Complaint electronic submission portal, seeks to streamline the process for USDA customers who believe they have faced discrimination while applying for or participating in USDA services or programs.
Administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR), this portal is part of a broader effort to enhance service delivery and ensure equitable treatment across the department. Dr. Penny Brown Reynolds, USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, stated, “The online portal is part of our efforts to better serve USDA customers and ensure Department-wide efficient, fair, consistent, and equitable application of civil rights.”
Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income from public assistance programs, and political beliefs is illegal. The new complaint portal is designed specifically for those who feel discriminated against in relation to USDA offerings.
Under Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's guidance, the USDA conducted an extensive review of OASCR operations to improve transparency and accountability. The launch of this portal marks a significant outcome of these efforts.
The system allows users to submit complaints electronically and track their progress through its lifecycle. Available in both English and Spanish, it complements existing methods such as email and fax submissions.
For further details or support with the system setup via login.gov, individuals can visit www.usda.gov/oascr/program-complaints or contact 866-632-9992. For those requiring relay services due to hearing or speech disabilities, Telecommunication Relay Service is available at 711 or 800-845-6136 for Spanish translation.
OASCR oversees civil rights initiatives within the department including program delivery compliance and equal employment opportunity. Between Fiscal Years 2019 and 2023, OASCR managed 805 program complaints manually while reducing average inventory by 86%. Under Dr. Brown Reynolds’ leadership, processing times have decreased significantly.
Additionally, OASCR offers a mobile application providing easy access to civil rights resources for employees and customers alike.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration’s direction, USDA aims to transform America’s food system with increased focus on resilient local production and equitable market access among other priorities.
