VSAS is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace that practices respect, celebrates diversity, and is free of any form of illegal discrimination and harassment. VSAS seeks to employ the best qualified individuals from the available labor force and to provide them with opportunity for advancement in a manner which does not discriminate. VSAS strictly prohibits any form of discrimination, including harassment, based on a person’s membership in a protected class.

​

Protected classes covered by our policy include: Race; Color; Sex; Religion; National Origin; Ancestry; Age; Physical or Mental Disability; Sexual Orientation; Marital Status; Civil Union Status; Credit History; Credit Report; Arrest & Court Record (except as permissible under State law); Income Assignment for Child Support; National Guard Absence; Uniformed / Military Service; Veteran’s Status; Pregnancy; Breastfeeding / Lactation; Citizenship Status; Genetic Information; Gender Identity; Gender Expression; Victim of Domestic or Sexual Violence (including those who have a minor child who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence); or any other classification protected by state or federal law.

​

VSAS complies with all the relevant and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). VSAS will not discriminate against any qualified employee or job applicant with respect to any terms or conditions of employment because of an individual’s disability so long as they can perform the essential functions of the job. We will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they may perform the essential job functions of the job, provided that the accommodation made does not impose an undue hardship on VSAS. Contact an administrator if you require or have any questions regarding reasonable accommodation for a disability.

​

VSAS expressly prohibits retaliation against anyone engaging in protected activity. Protected activity is defined as anyone who files a complaint of discrimination, participates in complaint proceedings dealing with discrimination, inquires about their rights under discrimination laws, or otherwise opposes acts of discrimination.

​

In addition, VSAS is governed by the following federal agency policies because of the school's participation in these programs.

​

U.S. Department of Agriculture

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.  

​

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.  

Submit your completed form or letter 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;

(2)     fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)   email: program.intake@usda.gov

​

Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Statement