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Rural Development Civil Rights Office

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure that Rural Development (RD) programs are guided by principles of national leadership and education, expert, knowledgeable civil rights advice, sound civil rights policy, and efficient, impartial investigations, in support of our agency's overall mission to help improve the quality of life in rural America through housing, business, infrastructure, and utilities.

We provide civil rights training, technical assistance and program support to USDA staff and communities throughout America in support of this effort.

Complaint Process

I am a Multi-Family Housing resident or owner, or I am a participant in RD non-housing programs.

Program Complaint Processing and Resolution Branch

I am a RD employee, former employee, or applicant for RD employment. 

EEO Branch
Dr. Sharese C. Paylor

Civil Rights Director, Dr. Sharese C. Paylor

Dr. Sharese C. Paylor serves Rural Development as the Director of Civil Rights and has responsibility and oversight of Rural Development's nationwide civil rights programs and employee engagement/development. Before serving as the Director, Dr. Paylor served as the Program Compliance Branch Chief for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development-Civil Rights. Prior to that, Dr. Paylor was a Senior Equal Opportunity Specialist with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Sharese has been committed to equal rights of all people and will continue to do so.

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Program Complaint Processing and Resolution Branch
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Program Compliance and Training Branch
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Civil Rights Library
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Equal Employment Opportunity Branch
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Limited English Proficiency
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Accessibility

Speaking Request Form for Rural Development Civil Rights Office

Please complete this form and send this form to the following email addresses: sharese.paylor@usda.gov and RA.RD.MOSTL.CivilRights@usda.gov

Speaking Request Form

RESOURCES

CONNECT WITH US

RD Civil Rights Office
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Room 1341-S; STOP 0703
Washington, DC 20250-0703
Toll Free: (800) 787-8821; Local: (202) 692-0252;
Fax: (844) 496-7792
Email: RA.RD.MOSTL.CivilRights@usda.gov