Center for Civil Rights Operations

The Center for Civil Rights Operations provides leadership and direction toward the advancement of equal opportunity through proactive prevention, innovation and excellence in civil rights programs and activities of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Leadership

Denise A. Banks is the Executive Director, Center for Civil Rights Operations, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What We Do

Office of the Executive Director

Mission

CCRO provides leadership and direction toward the advancement of equal opportunity through proactive prevention, innovation and excellence in civil rights programs and activities of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Compliance Division

The Compliance Division has oversight and guidance of Mission Areas and Staff Offices’ compliance with civil rights policy, training, strategic planning as it pertains to employment and program activities and federal mandated reports. CD collaborates with the Office of the Mission Area Liaison. CD has two branches, employment and programs whose major responsibilities include:

• Civil Rights Impact Analysis
• Program Final Agency Decisions
• Agency Compliance Review Embeds
• Settlement Agreements
• Mandatory Annual Reports
• FEVS

Mission Area Liaison Division

The Office of the Assistant Secretary, through the Center for Civil Rights Operations, Mission Area Liaison Division (MAL) promotes proactive prevention, complaint reduction, innovation, excellence, and best practices in the administration of civil rights programs involving diversity and compliance. MAL serve as a catalyst and conduit in the establishment of partnerships with our Mission Areas/Agencies and Staff Offices throughout the department and with our external stakeholders for the advancement of equal opportunity and equitable treatment for all while cultivating a culture of inclusion where diverse talent is leveraged to advance innovation.

Data and Records Management Division

The Data and Records Management Division (DRMD) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) has responsibility for Information Management, Information Research, and Records Management Services.

How We Can Help

For information on proactive prevention programs and activities, contact the OASCR/CCRO Information Research Service at CR-Info@USDA.gov.