Title VI

Your Rights Under Title VI of The Civil Rights Act of 1964


"No person in the United State shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject 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 Funds.


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 program.


What Programs under the NWTDD and the NWTHRA are covered by Title VI?

The Development District, Regional Planning Department, Area Agency on Aging & Disability, Senior Aides Program, Ombudsman Program, RSVP, Homemaker Program, Nutrition Program and the Transportation Program.


What discrimination 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 them in a manner different from what they are provided to others or 
  • Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipts of any service, aid, or benefit.

How can I file a Discrimination Complaint?

If you believe that you or others protected by Title VI have been discriminated against, you may file a complaint with the Federal agency that provides funds for the program where you believe the discrimination is occurring.

A signed, written complaint should be filed with the appropriate Federal agency, generally within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination. It should describe:

  • Your name, address, and telephone number.
  • Your complaint must be signed. If you are filing on behalf of another person, including your name, telephone number and your relation to that person (e.g., friend, attorney, parent, etc.) 
  • The name of and address of the agency, department, or program you believe discriminated against you. 
  • How, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much background information as possible. 
  • Date of Complaint, Nature of Complaint, Title VI Coordinators (Program and Agency) 

Complaint Procedures Complaint Form


What will the NWTDD or NWTHRA do with my complaint?

Once a complaint is filed, it will be reviewed by the agency to determine whether it has jurisdiction to investigate your allegations and attempt to resolve the violation. If negotiations to correct a violation are unsuccessful, enforcement proceedings may be instituted.

What is the Agency's role?

The NWTDD & NWTHRA will coordinate the enforcement of Title VI and related statutes by both agencies that administer federally assisted programs.

What if the recipient retaliates against me for asserting my rights or filing a complaint?

You should be aware that a recipient is prohibited from retaliating against you or any person because he or she opposed an unlawful policy or practice, or make changes, testified, or participated in any complaint action under Title VI.


If you believe that you have been retaliated against, you should immediately contact the Federal Agency with Authority to investigate your complaint. 

Northwest Tennessee Development District
Northwest Tennessee Human Resources Agency

Melinda Goode, Executive Director
Jennifer Stone, District Title VI Coordinator
jennifer.stone@nwtdd.org

P.O. Box 963 
Martin, TN 38237

Phone: 731-587-4213
Fax: 731-587-4587