AEF Schools are non-discriminatory in admissions and employment practices. We recognize the value student and staff diversity can bring to the program. AEF Schools encourage applicants of all racial, ethnic or religious backgrounds. Programs and policies treat all applicants, staff and students, equally.

AEF School Non-Discrimination Policy

The school shall actively promote equal opportunity policies and practices conforming to laws against discrimination. The School is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. This commitment applies to all areas to students, Academic Personnel, Technical, Executive, Administrative, and Managerial Support Staff, School Support Personnel, and Other Personnel Service employees. The school realizes that it must continue to intensify its concern and devote itself to the elimination of conditions from which discrimination spring. In this respect the School accepts the responsibility for solving problems related to these matters. Accordingly, the school will continue for the most appropriate ways and means to provide an effective and enduring contribution to the improvement of these relationships.

AEF School Florida Department of Agriculture civil rights policy

The USDA is committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect. No student or family should be forced to go hungry due to discrimination. On May 5, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is taking steps to prevent LGBTQI+ individuals from experiencing discrimination when they access federally funded food and nutrition services. In practice, this means state and local agencies, program operators, and sponsors that receive funds from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) must review allegations of discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Those organizations must also update their non-discrimination policies, informational materials and websites to include prohibitions against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The change gives recourse for LGBTQI+ individuals who experience discrimination by or within a FNS program. If discrimination does occur, that person can now file a complaint of sex discrimination.

 For example, someone who identifies as LGBTQI+ should be able to get assistance from or volunteer with a food bank that participates in USDA’s The Emergency Food Assistance Program without fear of rejection or discrimination. Similarly, a student who identifies as LGBTQI+ should be able to participate in the National School Lunch Program. If discrimination does occur, the individual can now file a complaint of sex discrimination.

 USDA has established processes to review civil rights compliance in the programs under its purview.  USDA’s goal during any investigation or compliance related action is to work with state and local agencies and other program recipients to resolve the complaint at the lowest possible level to ensure benefits and services continue without interruption. Please be assured that our shared goal is that all persons have equal access and an opportunity to participate in USDA’s Food programs. 

 For additional information regarding our policy, please review the updated guidance memorandum here. For additional information regarding our complaint process, please review the Civil Rights – FAQs | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov). 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
   [email protected]