Overview
BEO works to ensure Pennsylvanians have equal access to employment, public services, and benefits from DHS state facilities and/or entities that are licensed by DHS in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to an individual’s race (to include hair type, hair texture, or hair style), color, age (40 and over), sex (to include pregnancy status, childbirth status, breastfeeding status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, and differences in sex development), ancestry, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), religious creed (to include all aspects of religious observances and practice, as well as belief), disability, and retaliation.
BEO develops, implements, and monitors policies and programs as directed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Titles VI and VII, other federal and state anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and Commonwealth policies.
Please contact the BEO office immediately if you believe you are experiencing discrimination, sexual harassment, or retaliation with regards to employment or any departmental program or activity that receives federal financial assistance that is administered through or licensed by DHS. Discrimination is the unfair treatment of an individual based on race (to include hair type, hair texture, or hair style), color, age (40 and over), sex (to include pregnancy status, childbirth status, breastfeeding status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, and differences in sex development), ancestry, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), religious creed (to include all aspects of religious observances and practice, as well as belief), disability, and retaliation.
The Work of BEO
Licensing:
BEO reviews Civil Rights Compliance Forms (CRC Forms) regarding any entity (child day care, personal care home, assisted living, developmental programs, mental/behavioral health, and children and youth facilities) seeking licensure to ensure these entities are committed to non-discriminatory practices in providing employment and services. The below forms are included in the licensing packet.
- HS 2126 - Civil Rights Compliance form – New Providers
- HS 2125 – Civil Rights Compliance Attestation form - Renewals
- CRC Form FAQs
Complaint Investigations:
BEO conducts complaint investigations when an employee of an entity licensed by DHS or recipient of DHS services alleges unlawful or unequal treatment based on their race (to include hair type, hair texture, or hair style), color, age (40 and over), sex (to include pregnancy status, childbirth status, breastfeeding status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, and differences in sex development), ancestry, national origin (including Limited English Proficiency), religious creed (to include all aspects of religious observances and practice, as well as belief), disability, and retaliation.
- Investigative Complaint Questionnaire Online Form
- Investigative Complaint Questionnaire pdf
- Complaint FAQs
Limited English Proficiency (LEP):
A Pennsylvanian who is limited in English proficiency is defined as a person whose primary language is not English and has a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. BEO is responsible for ensuring LEP compliance through the creation and execution of the DHS LEP Policy Statement and Language Access Plan. The DHS LEP Policy Statement and Language Access Plan provides guidance and instructions on the use of language access services. Complaints regarding the lack of language access services or discrimination regarding LEP should be directed to BEO.
Civil Rights Compliance Reviews:
BEO works to ensure that any DHS state program that receives federal financial assistance prohibits discrimination. BEO routinely visits and reviews DHS state-owned facilities such as county assistance offices, youth development facilities, hospitals for persons with mental illness, centers for persons with developmental disabilities, and secure intensive treatment units for civil rights compliance according to federal and state anti-discrimination laws and regulations.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all services, programs, and activities provided to the public by state and local governments, except public transportation services. Complaints regarding ADA against a DHS office or a licensed provider should be directed to the BEO.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1 – 2 business days for call backs and 10 business days to respond to incoming complaints.
Yes, please see the anti-discrimination regulatory entities in related services.
BEO reviews and investigates discrimination complaints regarding treatment of recipients by county assistance office employees.
BEO does not handle discrimination complaints regarding eligibility of SNAP and Medicaid benefits. They are handled by a different office which can be found in related services under SNAP and Medicaid. However, if you are unsure, the best thing to do is to contact our office. We will guide you to where your complaint should be submitted.
Currently, complaints need to be filed to BEO within 90 days from the incident.
No. All complaints of discrimination from a Commonwealth employee against another Commonwealth employee should go to the Governor’s Office of Administration – Bureau of Equal Employment Office.