15d.4—Complaints.
(a)
Any person who believes that he or she (or any specific class of individuals) has been, or is being, subjected to practices prohibited by this part may file on his or her own, or through an authorized representative, a written complaint alleging such discrimination. No particular form of complaint is required. The written complaint must be filed within 180 calendar days from the date the person knew or reasonably should have known of the alleged discrimination, unless the time is extended for good cause by the Director of the Office of Civil Rights or his or her designee. Any person who complains of discrimination under this part in any fashion shall be advised of his or her right to file a complaint as herein provided.
(b)
All complaints under this part should be filed with the Director of the Office of Civil Rights, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, who will investigate the complaints. The Director of the Office of Civil Rights will make final determinations as to the merits of complaints under this part and as to the corrective actions required to resolve program complainants. The complaint will be notified of the final determination on his or her complaint.
(c)
Any complaint filed under this part alleging discrimination on the basis of disability will be processed under 7 CFR part 15e.