FILE:  EE-P

FOOD SERVICE DISCRIMINATORY COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

1. Schools must accept and process any written or oral complaint, even anonymous complaints, alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap within ninety (90) days of receipt.  (A complaint form does not have to be filled out by the person making the complaint.)
   
   

2. Once a complaint is received, it is to be documented and sent to the School Food Service Office who will then forward it to the Federal USDA through the Louisiana Department of Education.  (The investigation shall be conducted by the Federal USDA.)
   
   

3. Any person alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap has a right to file a complaint within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the alleged discriminatory action.
   
   

4. If the complaint is made orally, in person, by telephone or if the complainant does not choose to make the complaint in writing, the person receiving the complaint shall write up the elements of the complaint.  Every effort should be made to have the complainant provide the following information:

1. 1. The specific location and name of the entity delivering the program service of benefit.
      
      

   2. The nature of the incident(s) or action(s) that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a factor.
      
      

   3. The basis on which the complainant feels discrimination exists such as race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap.
      
      

   4. The names, titles, and addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the discriminatory action(s).
      
      

   5. The date(s) during which the alleged discriminatory action occurred or, if continuing, the duration of such actions.
      
      

   6. The name, address, and the telephone number or other means of contacting the complainant.  Anonymous complaints must be accepted.

5. Each school is required to display the "Justice For All Poster" developed by the USDA in a prominent place in the cafeteria.

Adopted:  November 1, 2010

Ref:     Board minutes, 5-8-95

Plaquemines Parish School Board