Cybercrime Support Network, (CSN) has received federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or service that it provides. CSN will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group. This policy establishes a framework for taking reasonable steps to ensure access to all services provided by CSN for all citizens and establishes procedures whereby CSN will receive and investigate allegations of discrimination.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the overarching civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, in any program, service, or activity that receives federal assistance. Specifically, Title VI assures that “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal assistance.” Nondiscrimination prohibitions have been further broadened and supplemented by related statutes, regulations, and executive orders.

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education or training program receiving federal financial assistance, with a limited number of defined exceptions;
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), which forbids discrimination on the basis of an individual’s disability by all federal agencies and in all federally funded activities;
• The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits discrimination in federally supported activities on the basis of age.

What Does This Mean?

CSN will not restrict an individual in any way from the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service or other benefit under any of its programs, regardless of the funding source for the program. Individuals may not be subjected to criteria or methods of administration which cause adverse impact because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program because of race, color or national origin.

CSN will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege guaranteed under law or regulations, or because the individual has filed a complaint or has testified, assisted, or participated in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing or has opposed any CSN action or decision.

CSN will take reasonable measures to provide access to CSN services to individuals with limited ability to speak, write, or understand English and/or to those with disabilities.

Filing a Complaint

If someone believes they have suffered from discrimination under a CSN program, they should send details in writing to the CSN Chief Operating Officer at info@cybercrimesupport.org to seek informal resolution. Please include name, the nature of the complaint, the dates of the complaint, requested action, and contact information.

If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the following steps will be followed:

• Within 30 days of the alleged discrimination, complainants may submit a written or verbal complaint to the Chief Operating Officer at info@cybercrimesupport.org. Complaints must include the complainant’s name, the nature of the complaint, the dates of the complaint, requested action, and contact information. 
• The Chief Operating Officer will review the complaint and may solicit additional information from the complainant as needed. If additional information is requested and not received, the case may be closed. The case may also be closed if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case.
• If the complaint is outside the jurisdiction of CSN, the complainant will be notified of the name and contact information for the appropriate agency with jurisdiction, if known.

Complaint Processing

If the complaint is within the jurisdiction of CSN, or informal resolution was not possible, it will be promptly and impartially investigated. CSN’s goal is to address complaints within 60 days of receipt, though the time to carefully investigate complaints may be longer depending on the nature of the complaint and complexity of the issue.

Preliminary Inquiry:

CSN will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine the need for further investigation.

CSN will notify the complainant in writing that a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine the need for further investigation.

• If the preliminary inquiry by CSN indicates that an investigation is warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing and an interview will be scheduled.
• If the preliminary inquiry indicates an investigation is not warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing of the reasons why and factors considered.

Complaint Investigation:

• Complaints warranting further investigation will be promptly and impartially processed by the CSN Chief Operating Officer. The results of the investigation will be provided to the CSN Chief Executive Officer for review.
• The complainant will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation and what actions will be/have been taken in response and a timeline to request review.

Access to Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or Disability

CSN will take reasonable steps to ensure access to all people, and that accommodation is available to facilitate the participation of those persons with English language proficiency and/or disability on www.fightcybercrime.org and in any virtual programs offered. 

CSN provides, where appropriate, at no cost, online tools to disabled persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, and other individuals as necessary to ensure effective communication or an equal opportunity to participate fully in programs or information regarding cybercrimes.

For questions, please contact us:

Cybercrime Support Network
Attn: Nondiscrimination Policy
2232 S Main Street #422, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
E-mail: info@cybercrimesupport.org