Center for Civil Rights Operations

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.

The Compliance Division within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights ensures Mission Areas, Agencies, and Staff Offices uphold their responsibilities under civil rights laws, regulations, and departmental directives. The Compliance Division serves as a key enforcement and advisory body by providing expert guidance on civil rights policy, training, and strategic planning related to both employment practices and program delivery. The Compliance Division work to proactively identify and eliminate barriers to equal employment opportunity and program access and strengthen accountability. The Compliance Division's core responsibilities include: Civil Rights Impact Analyses, Compliance Monitoring, Compliance Reviews, Civil Rights Directives, Mandatory Annual Reports, and Civil Rights Policy Statements.

The Mission Area Liaison (MAL) Division serves as a vital component of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR), providing leadership, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure the effective implementation of civil rights policies and programs across the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The division acts as a bridge between the USDA’s Mission Areas, Agencies, and external stakeholders, aligning departmental priorities with statutory and regulatory requirements.

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.