Non-Discrimination, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access in Extension

See The University of Maine Non-Discrimination Notice.

Our mission at UMaine Extension is to take the vast resources and knowledge of the University to help Mainers do our jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build our communities, and empower our children to dream of a successful future.

Everyone belongs here, from staff to program participants. That’s why UMaine Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization that recognizes and celebrates every one of us. Regardless of title or position within the organization, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are central to our work; this requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success.

As UMaine Extension, we commit to:

• Create inclusive and welcoming educational programs and workspaces.
• Offer equitable access to historically marginalized members of our communities.
• Honor and respect all backgrounds and perspectives.
• Weave diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect into every aspect of Extension’s education, outreach, policies, and procedures.
• Equitable recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention practices.
• Value continued learning with each other and our communities.

We believe that with these commitments, we will transform our work to ensure that Extension’s workforce, volunteers, program participants, and partnerships reflect the rich diversity of Maine and its people.

Accommodation and Accessibility Resources

UMaine Extension aims to ensure that our educational programs, services, and outreach are  accessible to as many people as possible. Any person with a disability who needs accommodation to participate in a UMaine Extension program  can contact their county office or program contact to discuss their needs in advance. All reasonable requests for accommodation will be considered.

UMaine Extension Non-Discrimination Statement 

All faculty, staff, and volunteers are expected to understand and be in compliance with non-discrimination and equal opportunity regulations. 

As an institution administering USDA programs, all employees must review and adhere to:

1. The prohibitions contained in the USDA Non-discrimination Statement and applicable federal laws 
2. University of Maine Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources: 

• USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) civil rights and equal opportunity information is available from  NIFA Office of Equal Opportunity & Civil Rights.
• UMaine’s Office of Equal Opportunity. 

The University of Maine System and member institutions provide a leadership commitment to equity and inclusion through our Nondiscrimination Notice:

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.  

The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Participant Rights at UMaine Extension Programs and Events

Per the UMaine Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO):

“The University will regard freedom from discrimination and discriminatory harassment as an individual employee and student right which will be safeguarded as a matter of policy. Any employee or student will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy.  Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint of discrimination or harassment or who is involved in a complaint process will not be tolerated.” 

For more information on filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, the complaint review process within the University of Maine, and find OEO contact information, visit the Office of Equal Opportunity webpage. As an organization that receives federal funding through the USDA, the And Justice For All poster should be displayed anywhere UMaine Extension programs occur. The poster outlines program participants’ civil rights and that program participants may also file a USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form with the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202.720.5964 (voice and TDD).

You may also file a complaint of discrimination with the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202.720.5964 (voice and TDD).

Any person with a disability who needs accommodation to participate in a UMaine Extension program should contact their county office or program contact to discuss their needs in advance.