The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, genetic information, medical condition, or mental or physical disability, or any other attribute or belief protected by law in administration of its programs or activities, and BAAQMD does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in action protected by or oppose actions prohibited by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.
It is BAAQMD's policy to provide fair and equal access to the benefits of a program or activity administered by BAAQMD. BAAQMD will not tolerate discrimination, intimidation, or retaliation against any person(s) seeking to participate in, or receive the benefits of, any program or activity offered or conducted by BAAQMD. Members of the public who believe they or others were unlawfully denied full and equal access to a BAAQMD program or activity may file a discrimination complaint with BAAQMD under this policy. This non-discrimination policy also applies to other people or entities affiliated with BAAQMD, including contractors or grantees that BAAQMD utilizes to provide benefits and services to members of the public.
Auxiliary aids and services including, for example, qualified interpreters and/or listening devices, to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and to other individuals as necessary to ensure effective communication or an equal opportunity to participate fully in the benefits, activities, programs, and services will be provided by the BAAQMD in a timely manner and in such a way as to protect the privacy and independence of the individual. Please contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator identified below at least three days in advance of a meeting so that arrangements can be made accordingly.
If you believe you have been discriminated against with respect to a BAAQMD program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator identified below and read further to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination.
If you have any questions about this notice or any of BAAQMD's non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:
Non-Discrimination Coordinator
Suma Peesapati
Environmental Justice and Community Engagement Officer Bay Area Air Quality Management District
375 Beale St., Ste. 600 San Francisco, CA 94105
415.749.4967
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Complainant: Individual(s) or other interested parties filing a discrimination complaint under this policy.
Discrimination: The unlawful denial of fair and equal access to a program or activity offered, conducted or administered by BAAQMD based on a protected class. "Denial of Fair and Equal Access" includes:
Protected class: A characteristic of a person which cannot be targeted for discrimination including race, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, genetic information, medical condition, or mental or physical disability.
Intimidation: The act or process of attempting to force or deter an action by inducing fear.
Retaliation: An intentional act in response to a protected action.
BAAQMD’s Executive Officer will have final authority and responsibility for compliance with this policy.
Suma Peesapati, Environmental Justice and Community Engagement Officer, is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the federal non-discrimination laws). The Non-Discrimination Coordinator will also ensure that BAAQMD is complying with state and federal reporting and record retention requirements, including those required by Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, section 7.10 et seq.
As of 12/2/2022: Please note that the sections below are under revision and will be updated shortly:
The complaint procedure has four steps:
BAAQMD strives to protect the confidentiality of the complainant and all participants in the discrimination complaint process to the greatest extent possible and as authorized by law. The nature of this process does not permit absolute confidentiality. The Non-Discrimination may release information as necessary to resolve this complaint. If a remedial action results in employee discipline, the Non-Discrimination Coordinator may release information provided during the complaint process to appropriate BAAQMD personnel and outside parties including independent investigators.
Retaliation for filing a complaint is prohibited and claims of retaliation will be handled promptly if it occurs.
To initiate a complaint, the complainant must complete BAAQMD’s Discrimination Complaint Form and send it to BAAQMD’s Non-Discrimination Coordinator at the address listed below. Complaints must be sent within the time period discussed above.
If you need assistance with completing a discrimination complaint, please contact the Air District's Non-Discrimination Coordinator.
Any person may also file a discrimination complaint directly with the Environmental Protection Agency by submitting it to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 1201A, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460.
Last Updated: 12/2/2022