Effective Date: October 17, 2017
Policy Owner: Executive Director, NR/MR Workforce Development Board
Reviewed/Revised: June 10, 2025
Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board (NR/MR WDB) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all programs and activities funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and citizenship or participation in any WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity is strictly prohibited.
Discrimination undermines both individual dignity and the strength of our organization. To deny someone’s contribution because they belong to a minority group is an injustice to the individual and a loss to our agency.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
#1. Participant Rights and Responsibilities
All participants have the right to:
- Receive services in an environment free from discrimination and harassment.
- File a complaint if they believe they have experienced discrimination.
- Be informed of the procedures for filing a complaint.
- Receive reasonable accommodations, if needed, to access programs or participate fully.
#2. Discrimination Complaint Procedures (29 CFR 38.69-.85; VWL 15-05, Change 1)
Filing a Complaint: Participants or applicants who believe they have been subjected to discrimination may file a written complaint with any of the following:
- Local EO Officer:
Jenny Bolte
Equal Opportunity Officer, New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board
6580 Valley Center Drive, Suite 119, Radford, VA 24141
(540) 633-6764
jenny.bolte@nrmrworks.org
- State EO Officer:
Vicki M. Tanner
State EO Officer, Virginia Works
2221 Edward Holland Drive, Suite 500, Richmond, VA 23230
(434) 978-8543
tanner@virginiaworks.gov
- S. Department of Labor, Civil Rights Center (CRC):
Director, Civil Rights Center (CRC)
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-4123
Washington, DC 20210
CRCExternalComplaints@dol.gov
Phone: (202) 693-6500 | TTY: (202) 693-6515
Timelines:
- Complaints must be filed within 30 calendar days of the alleged violation.
- The NR/MR WDB EO Officer will investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint within 60 calendar days.
- If unresolved, the participant may file with CRC within 30 calendar days after the 90-day period ends.
- If a Final Action Notice is issued and the participant is dissatisfied, they may appeal to CRC within 30 calendar days of receipt.
Required Information:
- Complainant’s name and contact info
- Identity of individual/organization responsible
- Description of alleged discrimination (what, when, where)
- Basis of the complaint (e.g., race, disability, age, etc.)
- Desired remedy or resolution
- Signature and date
The Civil Rights Center (CRC) has jurisdiction to investigate complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, and citizenship or participation in any WIOA Title I-financially assisted program or activity.
General Grievance Procedures (20 CFR 683.600(c); VWL 16-09)
Scope: General grievances include complaints about service delivery, program policies, or treatment not related to discrimination.
Filing a Complaint: Grievances must be submitted in writing within 30 calendar days of the alleged incident to:
Jenny Bolte
Equal Opportunity Officer, New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board
6580 Valley Center Drive, Suite 119, Radford, VA 24141
(540) 633-6764
jenny.bolte@nrmrworks.org
Timelines:
- Investigation and resolution must be completed within 60 calendar days.
- An opportunity for informal resolution and, if requested, a hearing will be provided and completed within 60 calendar days of the date the grievance is filed. A written Final Action Notice will be issued within the same 60-day period, outlining the outcome, rationale, and instructions for appeal.
- If a Final Action Notice is not issued within 60 calendar days of the grievance filing, or if either party is dissatisfied with the local hearing decision, an appeal may be filed with the State WIOA Title I Administrator. Such appeal must be filed within 30 calendar days of receiving the Final Action Notice or, if no notice is issued, within 30 calendar days after the 60-day resolution deadline expires.
Required Information:
- Complainant’s name and contact info
- Statement of the issue and relevant facts
- Desired resolution
- Signature and date
Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation
All complaints will be handled with strict confidentiality consistent with a fair investigation. Retaliation against any person who files a complaint or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.
In addition to confidentiality and non-retaliation assurances, the NR/MR Workforce Development Board, Program Operators, and subcontractors will make every effort to collect and store participant data securely. Any use of customer data outside eligibility documentation or service provision requires written consent from the participant or their parent/guardian. Access to data by designated government authorities may be granted only to ensure compliance. The identity of individuals participating in investigations or surveys must be kept confidential to the extent possible, with protections against retaliation.
Participant Acknowledgement Form (To be completed by participant)
I acknowledge that:
- I have received and reviewed the Equal Opportunity and Discrimination Complaint Policy.
- I understand how to file both a general grievance and a discrimination complaint.
- I know the timelines for submission, resolution, and appeal.
- I have been provided contact information for the Local EO Officer, State EO Officer, and the U.S. DOL Civil Rights Center.
- Staff have explained this policy and answered any questions I may have had.
