"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."
What is Title VI?
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the Federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in programs that receive Federal financial assistance.
What programs are covered by Title VI?
Approximately 30 Federal agencies provide Federal financial assistance in the form of funds, training, and technical and other assistance to State and local governments, and non-profit and private organizations. These recipients of Federal assistance, in turn, operate programs and deliver benefits and services to individuals (known as "beneficiaries") to achieve the goals of the Federal legislation that authorizes the programs.
Federally assisted programs address such broad and diverse areas as:
- Elementary, secondary, and higher education.
- Health care, social services, and public welfare.
- Public transportation.
- Parks and recreation.
- Natural resources and the environment.
- Employment and job training.
- Housing and community development.
- Law enforcement and the administration of justice.
- Agriculture and nutrition.
What descrimination is prohibited by Title VI?
There are many forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color, or national origin that can limit the opportunity of minorities to gain equal access to services and programs. Among other things, in operating a federally assisted program, a recipient cannot, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, either directly or through contractual means:
- Deny program services, aids, or benefits
- Provide a different service, aid, or benefit, or provide services in a manner different than they are provided to others
- Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any service, aid, or benefit
How can I file a Title VI discrimination complaint?
Each agency that receives or provides Federal financial assistance is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the use of its funds. If you believe that you or others protected by Title VI have been discriminated against, you should file a complaint with the Office of Access, Compliance, and Title IX/Title VI at the University of Tennessee at Martin or unit that provides funds for the program where you believe the discrimination occurred.
UT Martin has a complaint procedure and a Vice Chancellor of Access and Engagement/Title VI Coordinator responsible for investigating all Title VI complaints. If you or someone you know believes he/she has been discriminated against, please contact the Vice Chancellor of Access and Engagement/Title VI Coordinator. The complaint procedures for the University of Tennessee at Martin are as follows: Title VI complaints must be filed with UT within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. A written complaint should include:
- Your name, address, telephone number, and signature.
- The name and address of the program or department you believe discriminated against you.
- How, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against and the names of those involved, if known. Include as much background information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination.
- The names of any persons that the Coordinator could contact for additional information to support or clarify your allegations.
What will the University of Tennessee at Martin do with my complaint?
Once a complaint is filed, it will be reviewed by the Title VI Coordinator to determine if the issues you have raised are valid under Title VI. The Title VI Coordinator will investigate your allegations and attempt to resolve any violations found.
What if the recipient retaliates against me for asserting my rights or filing a complaint?
You should be aware that a recipient, including The University of Tennessee at Martin, is prohibited from retaliating against you or any person because he or she opposed an unlawful policy or practice, or made charges, testified, or participated in any complaint action under Title VI. If you believe that you have been retaliated against, you should immediately contact the Title VI Coordinator to investigate your complaint.
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or disability in the education programs and activities pursuant to tile requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 As Amended.
Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Vice Chancellor of Access and Engagement/Title VI Coordinator as listed in this brochure.
(Rev. 08/05)
This information is contained in the Title VI brochure. A copy of the Title VI brochure is available in the Access, Compliance, and Title IX Office located in Administration Building, Room 303.