Section 9: Personnel
According to Missouri Statutes 262.560 and 262.587, the University of Missouri shall:
Have responsibility and authority to employ and discharge personnel as it deems necessary and proper for the conduct of extension work within the county and shall prescribe and assign their duties.
Before assigning any extension personnel in the area over which the council has jurisdiction, first consult and advise with the council affected before making the assignment of personnel. If personnel proposed by the University is not satisfactory to the council, the council is not required to agree to house the person. However, other situations may arise that cause other options not to be readily available. Consult with the council before taking action to discharge or remove any employee.
The council shall (statutes 262.587, 262.590):
- Make recommendations and suggestions to the University concerning the appointment or removal of extension personnel. Approve the assignment of personnel headquartered in their county.
- Be consulted by the University prior to removal or discharge of personnel.
Source: State of Missouri Statutes Pertaining to University of Missouri Extension Programs (adapted 1961)
Civil Rights Compliance/Inclusive Excellence
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action programs are legal concepts and obligations defined in applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies implementing those provisions. Copies of these applicable laws, rules and regulations are maintained in the county civil rights file and area available for public inspection and include the following:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
- Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
- Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974
- Equal Pay Act of 1963
- Civil Rights Act of 1966
- Executive Order 11246, as amended
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of July 1990
As recipients of federal, state and local public funds, MU Extension is required to ensure individuals have equal access to employment opportunities and equal access to participation in extension programs without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination in employment of the disabled and in their access to facilities, goods and services of public places.
“Nondiscrimination” exists when all discriminatory conditions have been eliminated, whether purposeful or not. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations provide a process for filing complaints of discrimination and settling of those complaints.
Compliance with federal civil rights laws, regulations and other guidance requires extension to encourage program participation of underrepresented groups with the goal of achieving parity of representation in all extension programs; to recruit, employ and promote qualified members of formerly excluded groups; and to ensure nondiscrimination in all terms and conditions of employment, including work assignments, educational and training opportunities, use of facilities, and opportunities to serve on committees and decision-making bodies.
Equal Employment Opportunity counselors are available to assist staff who believe that discrimination has taken place. A process for filing a complaint is included in extension's Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan. Each regional and county office maintains a copy of the plan which is available for inspection.
Within the scope of their individual and departmental roles, all MU Extension employees are tasked with providing greater employment opportunities and program participation to underrepresented clients, employees and job applicants. Employees shall work in collaboration with colleagues and Extension Council members to identify and remove barriers to equitable employment and program participation and should provide clients, participants and employees opportunities to serve on committees and decision-making bodies.
Emphasis on diversity
University of Missouri Extension and Engagement will create, advance and embody a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion within each person, system and practice. Emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion supports equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs and goes beyond basic compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations. With changes in the workforce, populations and ever-changing community needs, MU Extension must strive to create a more diverse and inclusive approach to its work. To meet its mission of Inclusive Excellence, MU Extension must be intentional in its efforts to go further than basic compliance with the law. MU Extension should strive to develop and maintain a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff and adjust operations and programming to work more effectively and make a difference in issues important to residents of the counties and communities served. By maintaining emphasis on civil rights compliance and Inclusive Excellence, MU Extension will continue to be effective, productive and relevant now and in the future. Effective and successful extension education and programming — to “Serve Missouri and Deliver Mizzou” — means outreach and engagement with all Missourians, from all cultural groups and underserved populations in the state.
MU Extension Equal opportunity / ADA nondiscrimination statement