What is Title VI?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities of any entity that receive federal assistance. Other related regulations prohibit discrimination based on sex, age and disability. Discrimination is an action or inaction, intentional or not, through which any beneficiary, solely because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age or disability has been otherwise subjected to unequal treatment or impacts.

What types of discrimination are prohibited by Title VI?

• Denying program services, financial aid or other benefits
• Providing different services, financial aid, other benefits or providing them in a manner different from that provided to others
• Segregating or treating individuals or groups differently in any matter related to the receipt of any service, financial aid or other benefits
• Denying an individual or group the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning, advisory or similar body
• Any other method or criteria of administering a program that has the effect of treating or affecting individuals or groups in a discriminatory manner
• Intimidating, threatening, coercing or discriminating against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title VI, or because the individual has made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing

Overview of Title VI Complaints

Any person who believes that he or she, individually, or as a member of any specific class has been subject to discrimination may file a complaint. A complaint may also be filed by a representative on behalf of such a person or group.

Title VI complaints must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged act of discrimination. Complaints must include the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged discrimination. Complaints can be submitted to TxDOT’s Civil Rights Division by completing the “External Discrimination Complaint Form.” Please note, the complaint form requires detailed information, including signatures.

Upon receipt and review of complaint form, TxDOT will determine which agency has jurisdiction to handle the complaint. If TxDOT does not have jurisdiction, the complaint will be routed to the appropriate agency for investigation. Agencies will request documents and information from the complainant, schedule interviews with relevant parties, and conduct site visits as necessary.

Potential Outcomes: The complaint will be investigated, and an attempt will be made to determine the proper course of action.

Title VI Resources

• 2021 Title VI Plan per CFR Requirements
• External Discrimination Complaint Form
• Formulario de Denuncia de Discriminación Externa
• Title VI Poster (English)
• Title VI Poster (Spanish)
• Limited English Proficiency
• Title VI FHWA Staff Training
• Title VI FHWA Subrecipient Training

Additional Information

• Title VI Requirements for Subrecipients
  
• TxDOT's Title VI/Nondiscrimination Technical Assistance Guide for Subrecipients
• FHWA Title VI/Nondiscrimination Program
  
• FHWA Federal-aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies 
• TxDOT's Language Assistance Plan

Laws, Regulations and Guidance

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975
• Uniform Relocation Act of 1970
• Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898
• Limited English Proficiency Executive Order 13166
• Special Provision 000-002