INDOT is here to provide resources and guidance regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), as amended and all of its related statutes and regulations as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

INDOT's Title VI Mission

INDOT will implement compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); 49 CFR § 26; and its related statutes and regulations to ensure that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on the grounds of race, color, age, sex, disability, national origin or income status.

INDOT'S Title VI Policy Statement

INDOT values each individual’s civil rights and wishes to provide equal opportunity and equitable service for the citizens of this state.  As a recipient of federal funds, INDOT is required to conform to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and all related statutes, regulations, and directives, which provide that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on the grounds of race, color, age, sex, disability, national origin or income status. INDOT has expanded its Title VI Program enforcement to include ancestry and religion.

What is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in the administration of federally assisted programs and activities. Title VI does not cover claims of employment discrimination except in instances where the primary objective of the financial assistance is to provide employment for the service, benefit or program. Title VI has broad applicability. The scope of Title VI includes all programs and activities of federal aid recipients regardless if the programs or activities are federally funded.  Additionally, there are other related Title VI laws that prohibit discrimination based on age, sex and disability. In sum, Title VI and its related laws prohibit discriminated based on race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability.

The full text of Title VI may be found in the Civil Rights Act of 1964: (PDF) (TEXT)

What is the purpose of Title VI?

The purpose of Title VI is to eliminate discrimination in federally funded programs and activities and to ensure the equitable distribution of public funds for public benefit.

What are INDOT's responsibilities under Title VI?

INDOT's responsibilities include:

• Ensuring all employees and contractors receive regular comprehensive Title VI training;
• Disseminating Title VI information to the public, stakeholders and beneficiaries;
• Conducting compliance reviews of subrecipients (consultants, contractors, MPO's, and LPA's); and
• Providing technical assistance to subrecipients.

INDOT Title VI and Section 504 Assurances

In accordance with Title VI, Section 504 and their related implementing regulations INDOT must submit signed assurances to the Federal Highway Administration that it will not discriminate in the administration of its programs and activities. The assurances remind INDOT and its subrecipients of their nondiscrimination obligations and provide a basis for the federal government to sue to enforce compliance with the nondiscrimination laws.  The assurances also appear in INDOT's contracts with its subrecipients.

• INDOT Title VI Assurances

Other Related Nondiscrimination Authorities

Prohibition of Discrimination on the Basis of Sex (23 USC 324)

Prohibits discrimination based on sex in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance and provides that the provision shall be enforced through agency provisions and rules similar to those used to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in addition to any other legal remedies available.

Prohibition of Discrimination on the Basis of Sex: PDF | TEXT

Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 USC 6101-6107)

Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Age Discrimination Act of 1975: PDF | TEXT

Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Pursuant to Executive Order 13166, INDOT must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to its services to persons who have a limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English. LEP persons may be entitled to language assistance.

The full text of the Limited English Proficiency Executive Order 13166: PDF | TEXT

Environmental Justice (EJ)

Under Executive Order 12898, INDOT must administer and implement its programs, policies and activities that affect human health or the environment so as to identify and avoid "disproportionately high and adverse" effects on minority and low-income populations while ensuring that minority and low-income populations receive an equitable distribution of the benefits.

The full text of the Environment Justice Executive Order 12898: PDF | TEXT

Title VI / ADA Program News

• 2012 Notice of Title VI and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Workshops 
• 2011 Title VI Implementation Plan and Accomplishments and Goals Report

Subrecipient Toolbox

This toolbox is intended to provide technical assistance to INDOT subrecipients regarding their responsibilities under Title VI.

Sample Forms/Documents

These sample documents are provided by INDOT for informational purposes only. These forms do not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, please contact legal counsel.

• Sample Complaint Procedure
• Sample Complaint Log

Related Civil Rights Links

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Implementing Regulations (23 CFR 200) PDF | Text
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC 12131) PDF | Text
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Implementing Regulation (28 CFR 35) PDF | Text
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794) PDF | Text
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Implementing Regulation (49 CFR 27) PDF | Text

Latosha N. Higgins
Title VI/ADA Program Manager
Economic Opportunity
100 N. Senate Ave., IGCN 750
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-234-6142
lhiggins@indot.in.gov