Non-Discrimination Policies

Non-Discrimination Policy

COTRAIC maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with employees and applicants for employment and will practice equal employment opportunities in all aspects of its operations.

COTRAIC has established systems to enhance the recruitment and hiring of qualified Indians and Native Americans in compliance with the Indian Preference Act. Also, with all things being equal in the interview process, preference will be given to Head Start current/former parents and volunteers, as governed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, Head Start Bureau.

COTRAIC or any contractor used by the organization shall not discriminate in its employment procedures due to race, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), age, creed, color, national origin, disability, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This requirement shall apply to, but is not limited to, the following: hiring, employment, upgrading, transfer, recruitment or selection, advertising, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, except where the Indian Preference Act shall apply. Further, the organization reasonably accommodates persons with mental or physical disabilities as long as the accommodation doesn’t cause the agency undue hardship.

A complaint, based on any of the factors listed above, may be filed at any time by anyone in accordance with statutory time limitations.

Written complaints should be filed with COTRAIC’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer. The current EEO Officer is Human Resources Singing Winds Administration 120 Charles St. Pittsburgh, PA 15238 or by phone at 412-782-4457.

Within ten (10) days of the filing of a complaint a fact finding meeting will be held and resolution will be attempted. If the matter cannot be resolved, then a written report will be issued within ten (10) days and given to all parties involved. The matter will then be referred to the Executive Director.

The Executive Director will, within ten (10) days, attempt to resolve the issue. Failing to resolve the issue, the matter will be referred to the Board of Directors for resolution, no later than their next regularly scheduled meeting.

Complaints that are not satisfied through action of the Board of Directors may be referred to the:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Room 2038 A Federal Building
1000 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Non-Discrimination Policy: Nutrition Programs

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete online the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027), or in person at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

  2. Fax: 202-690-7442; or

  3. E-mail: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.