The Vermont Department of Public Service operates its programs, services, and activities without discriminating on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin (including people who speak a language other than English), ancestry, place of birth, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or breastfeeding. Discrimination, intimidation, threats, coercion, or retaliation against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights protected by federal or state law is prohibited.
Nondiscrimination Grievance Policy
The Department of Public Service’s Nondiscrimination Grievance Policy is meant to ensure prompt and fair resolution of complaints from members of the public alleging discrimination in the operation of the Department's programs, services, and activities.
- Discrimination Grievance Policy
This policy is currently being updated to address content accessibility
Questions or Complaints
If you have any questions about the Department’s nondiscrimination notice or programs, or if you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a program or activity, you may contact either TJ Poor or Carol Flint. You may submit your question or complaint in writing or verbally. TJ Poor and Carol Flint are appointed to coordinate compliance and to ensure we meet our responsibilities required under the law. They may be reached by email at tj.poor@vermont.gov and carol.flint@vermont.gov, by telephone at 802-828-2811, or by mail at 112 State St., Montpelier, VT 05620-2601.
Federal Nondiscrimination Law
As a recipient of federal funding, the Department of Public Service complies with the following federal nondiscrimination laws:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VI”)
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”)
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975
- Federal civil rights implementing regulations, including:
- Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (requiring that no person on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program receiving Clean Water Act funding)
- Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 5 and Part 7 (EPA regulations)
- Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 7, 16, and 19 and Section 206.11 (FEMA regulations)
- Title 6 Code of Federal Regulations Part 19 (Department of Homeland Security regulations)
State Nondiscrimination Law
The Department of Public Service complies with federal and state prohibitions on employment discrimination. Employment discrimination complaints are addressed in Department of Human Resources Personnel Policy Number 3.3 and on the Department’s Equal Opportunity Employer webpage. If you are an employee of the State of Vermont and have questions about discrimination, call the Department of Human Resources at 802-828-3491.
In addition, the Department follows the State of Vermont’s ADA/ADAAA Grievance Procedure to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) by a department, agency, or instrument of the Executive Branch of the State of Vermont, because of employment practices and policies, or the provision of services, activities, programs, and benefits.
Further, the Department follows the State of Vermont’s adoption of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and W3C Web Accessibility Initiative standards and procedures to the best of its ability.