In the July 16, 2014, Federal Register, USDA amended its regulation on nondiscrimination in programs and activities it conducts. The changes clarify the roles and responsibilities of headquarters staff for data collection and dispute resolution, and they establish political beliefs and gender identity as separate protected bases under its programs. Reporting for program applicants and participants remains voluntary. According to the final rule, gender identity "includes USDA program customers' gender expression, including how USDA program customers act, dress, perceive themselves, or otherwise express their gender."
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