Non-Discrimination Policy
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability in the administration of its programs or activities. BEF does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they exercised rights protected by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 or for the purpose of interfering with these rights.
It is BEF’s policy to ensure full compliance with all federal non-discrimination laws, including 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), 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, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“federal non-discrimination statutes”).
To coordinate federal non-discrimination compliance, BEF has adopted Grievance procedures and has a Civil Rights Coordinator to receive complaints and respond promptly to each filed complaint with a fair and equitable resolution.
Any individual or group that has interacted with a BEF staff member, program, or activity and believes a violation of this Policy or a federal non-discrimination statute has occurred, has a right to file a grievance complaint with BEF’s Civil Rights Coordinator.
Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) Grievance Procedures
Purpose
Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is committed to ensuring fair and equal access to its programs, activities, and services. This Grievance Procedure outlines the steps for addressing concerns related to discrimination and civil rights violations in BEF’s operations, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Scope
These procedures apply to any individual or group who believes they have been subjected to discrimination or unfair treatment based on race, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, or other protected characteristics while interacting with BEF’s programs, services, or activities.
1. Formal Grievance Process
Complainants should submit a formal grievance if they prefer a structured, documented approach to address their concerns.
Filing a Formal Grievance
A formal grievance must be submitted in writing within 180 days of the incident and should include:
- Name and contact information of the complainant
- A detailed description of the incident(s), including date(s), location(s), and the parties involved
- Supporting documentation or evidence, if available
- The desired resolution
Submit formal grievances to: Hilary Shohoney
Civil Rights Coordinator
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
1500 SW 1st Ave, Suite 710
Portland, OR 97201
Email: civilrights@b-e-f.org
Click Here to Submit a Formal Grievance
Review and Investigation
Once a formal grievance is received:
- Acknowledgment: The Civil Rights Coordinator will acknowledge the grievance in writing within 15 business days.
- Investigation: The Coordinator will lead an investigation, which may include interviews, document reviews, and consultations with relevant individuals. This will typically be completed within 60 business days.
- Findings and Decision: The complainant will receive a written decision outlining the findings, any corrective actions, and a timeline for their implementation within 10 business days after the investigation is completed.
2. Informal Grievance Procedure
If you prefer not to initiate a formal grievance process, you may informally raise your concerns with BEF’s Civil Rights Coordinator, Hilary Shohoney, at civilrights@b-e-f.org. For informal grievances, you may share your concerns by email or through a phone conversation with the Coordinator. Informal grievances do not automatically initiate a formal investigation. However, all informal grievances will prompt internal discussions and an assessment of how BEF can best address the concerns raised.
Appeals Process
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, you have the right to appeal to the Executive Team. Appeals must be made within one month of receiving notification of the outcome and are initiated by notifying the Civil Rights Coordinator.
Confidentiality
All grievances, whether filed through the informal or formal process, will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared with individuals directly involved in resolving the grievance or conducting the investigation.
Non-Retaliation Policy
BEF strictly prohibits retaliation against individuals who file a grievance or participate in the grievance process. Any act of retaliation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or partnerships with BEF.
Contact Information
For questions about the grievance process or to submit a grievance, please contact:
Hilary Shohoney
Civil Rights Coordinator
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
1500 SW 1st Ave, Suite 710
Portland, OR 97201
Email: civilrights@b-e-f.org
Phone: (503) 248-1905
Additional Policies