United
    States
    Cooperative
    State
    Washington,
    DC
    ‘I-”~’
    Department of
    Research, Education,
    20250
    Agricultuture
    ‘~,
    and Extension Service
    OCT
    O~i
    2i:1~
    Dr. Thomas
    E.
    Fretz
    Dean and Director
    Maryland Cooperative Extension Service
    University ofMaryland at College
    Park
    1104 Symons Hall
    College Park, Maryland
    20742-5565
    Dear Dr.
    Fretz:
    Thank you
    for the opportunity to review a very progressive process in addressing
    current issues
    relating to Civil Rights and Affirmative Action in you MCE Affirmative Action Plan (AAP).
    We
    commend you and your staff for the care and evaluative process that went forth
    in developing
    a
    forward look in
    assuring comprehensive coverage in outreach in your program delivery
    methodology.
    Your AAP
    established, in a comprehensive format the standards
    and procedures which govern
    employment and
    program practices in
    the operation ofyour Extension programs.
    Within the
    context of equal opportunity for both employment
    and
    program the law requires the officials of
    an organization to make employment
    decisions, to do
    more than ensure employment neutrality
    and
    program inclusion with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
    and disability.
    The Plan requires additional effort made to recruit,
    employ, promote qualified members ofunder
    represented groups
    and to
    conduct conclusive outreach
    efforts in programming in
    Extension.
    The emphasis in your
    AAP
    is aggressive and comprehensive in
    its approach to insuring
    comprehensive employment and program coverage,
    and is commendable.
    We are especially
    excited about your parity definition and the application ofthat process to
    assure the ability to
    determine good program methodology and to assess program outreach requirements.
    Further, we
    agree with your process of determining “all reasonable efforts”
    that insure that program inclusion
    involves minority and non minority clientele.
    Your process
    is further defined in your system of
    “self-evaluation.”
    While these techniques
    and systems are progressive, they are not
    overburdening and appear to be reasonable in the ability to accomplish.
    The inclusion of the
    Limited
    English Proficiency Policy (LEP)
    is both current thinking and defined.
    Your emphasis
    on the spanish-speaking population is most commendable.
    A review of your LEP Policy
    demonstrates its flexibility, in the framework there is a system to insure
    that as other racial/ethnic
    groups, with English as a second language,
    become a
    part
    of the various Maryland communities
    they can aggressively become a
    part
    of the Extension program.
    The achievements ofthe
    requirements noted in your AAP,
    successfully implemented,
    should result in a
    strengthened equal
    opportunity program and a more diverse workforce.
    Dr. Thomas E.
    Fretz
    Page
    2
    The Plan is approved.
    The Cooperative State Research, Education,
    and
    Extension Service stands
    ready to
    assist you, as needed, in the implementation of this
    Plan.
    Again,
    thank you and your
    staff for continued support ofthe Department of
    Agriculture’s
    nondiscrimination rules and
    regulations.
    Sincerely,
    Cohen Hefferan
    Administrator

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