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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Title VI of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Additional Nondiscrimination Requirements

Overview

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination based upon race, color, and national origin.  Specifically, 42 USC 2000d states that “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”  The use of the word “person” is important as the protections afforded under Title VI apply to anyone, regardless of whether the individual is lawfully present in the United States or a citizen of a State within the United States. 

In addition to Title VI, there are other Nondiscrimination statutes that afford legal protection.  These statutes include the following: Section 162 (a) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 (23 USC 324) (sex), Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (age), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973/Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (disability).

General FHWA Responsibilities

FHWA Division Offices are responsible for ensuring that all Recipients (State Transportation Agencies) have an approved Title VI Plan and submit Annual Update Reports.  Additionally, the Division Offices are responsible for ensuring that the State Transportation Agencies are implementing an effective Monitoring Program of their Subrecipients’ efforts to effectively implement Title VI. FHWA’s National Title VI/Nondiscrimination Program Manager is responsible for coordinating the effectiveness of FHWA’s monitoring activities and will partner with other Federal Program Offices and USDOT Modal Agencies (as appropriate) to address opportunities for improved implementation of the Title VI/Nondiscrimination Program.

Authorities