Diversity = Human Differences Differences may be in respect to age, class, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, spiritual practice, or other human differences.

As a public entity, the NDSU Extension Service affirms a commitment to the creation of an inclusive and multicultural organization that serves appropriately all the people of this state.

Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal assistance.”

Other Federal Laws Relating to Civil Rights and Diversity Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (EEO) Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (Gender) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

Definitions of important Civil Rights concepts related to programming

Public Notification Procedures used for program recruitment and notification by program area

Potential Audience Persons or groups within a defined geographic area who might be interested or benefit from an Extension educational program

“All reasonable efforts” Actions taken to encourage participation of people from historically underserved groups in Extension programs.

All reasonable efforts include Using all mass media to inform potential audience of program and opportunity to participate Sending personal letters, flyers and publications Making personal visits to a representative number of potential participants

Parity When participation of underserved audiences mirrors the same proportion of participation as the general population.

Compliance This is achieved when the rate of participation of historically underserved audiences has reached 80% of parity.

Prepared by Brad Cogdill, Cass County Extension Office Chair for the NDSU Extension Service