No person shall on the basis of race, color religion national origin sex age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to unlawful discrimination under any program or activity receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance administered by the department and its providers. Any applicant or participant who believes he or she has been denied services may file a complaint with the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs or the Department of Children and Families, Office of Civil Rights within 180 days of the alleged violation.
No person shall be retaliated against, harassed, intimidated, threatened, coerced or discriminated against for making a charge, testifying, assisting or participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing for opposing alleged unlawful discriminatory practices prohibited by state and federal laws.