Fort Smith Transit’s (FST) funding partner, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) does not require FST to possess or maintain an EEO Policy because its population is less than 200,000.  However, FST maintains a voluntary EEO policy to ensure that FST applicants are employed and treated without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or age.  Such action shall include, but not be limited to hiring, promotion, or upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, disciplinary actions, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training.  Fort Smith Transit will follow the City’s affirmative action plan designed to fully utilize women and minorities in all parts of the workforce.  Applicants will be notified of the policy and process to file a complaint concerning discrimination.

The Civil Rights Officer, under the direction of the Transit Director, is responsible for program oversight.  While managing the EEO program, the CRO will be sensitive to the utilization of women and minorities, participation rates relative to the current labor market, and traditional exclusions of employment opportunities.   The CRO will work to assess specific racial group information and data for goal projection, as well as identify causes of underutilization (if any) while monitoring the program.  Transit management will be evaluated for their participation in the EEO program and all employees will share equally in learning the program requirements and its significance. 

Internal applicants may reference the City Handbook for policy information regarding discrimination.  External applicant request(s) or concerns may be made in writing to Gregory A. Carthon, Civil Rights Officer, at P.O. Box 1908, Fort Smith AR 72902.  Requests or concerns may also be reported directly by phone at (479) 783-6464 or 7-1-1 (Arkansas Relay Service for the hearing impaired).  Requests or concerns may also be directed to the Human Resources department at 479-784-2221.

To ensure effective outreach, the department will post the program on the department’s website and maintain a posting in the public meeting room near the driver’s break area to highlight the procedures to file a complaint with the EEOC.  The department will also place the following phrase on all of its brochures and advertisements; FST does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its program or activities.

The purpose of the EEO program is to ensure equality in all employment practices and program adherence regarding federal requirements. 

Voluntary Equal Employment Opportunity Policy 

Fort Smith Transit EEO 2023

 Fort Smith Transit EEO 2023 Spanish

Fort Smith Transit EEO 2023 Vietnamese

For any questions or comments contact:

Gregory A. Carthon, Civil Rights Officer 

gcarthon@fortsmithar.gov

Phone: (479) 788-4148