Title IX: Sex Discrimination in USDA Programs

If you believe you were discriminated against or harassed because of your sex in a USDA-funded program:

• File a Title IX complaint with the USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) or the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
• Title IX applies to anyone applying to, participating in or working for a USDA-funded program.

Filing a Complaint with Health & Human Services (HHS)

If you believe you were discriminated against in a program funded or operated by HHS, you can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights. This includes discrimination based on:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Age
• Disability
• Sex
• Religion

Health & Human Services Programs  

HHS enforces civil rights protections in programs and services that are operated by HHS or that receive federal financial assistance from HHS. Some example areas include:

• Health care services and providers (hospitals, clinics etc.)
• Public health programs (disease prevention, vaccinations etc.)
• Health insurance and coverage programs (e.g. Medicaid, CHIP)
• Programs that deal with children’s welfare, child support and family services
• Nutrition, food and assistance related to health (for those administered or funded via HHS)
• Services for people with disabilities, including reasonable accommodations
• Language access and support for people with limited English skills in HHS-funded health programs
• Telehealth services and health programs delivered via remote technologies

How to File

You may file:

• Online: Through the OCR Complaint Portal 
• Form: Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form Package (fillable PDF)
• Letter or email: Include the required details

Send by mail:
 Centralized Case Management Operations
 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
 200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
 Room 509F, HHH Building
 Washington, D.C. 20201

Or email to:  Email: OCRComplaint@hhs.gov

What to Include

• Your name, address, phone and email (if available)
• Contact info for your representative (if any)
• Who discriminated against you (person, agency or organization)
• Description of what happened, when and why you believe it was discrimination
• Any supporting documents
• Your signature and date

If filing for someone else, include their name and your relationship.

Deadline: Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the incident. You may ask for an extension if you show good cause.

Accessibility: Free language services are available. OCR services are also accessible to people with disabilities.