Title VI & Limited English Proficiency

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

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a Federal law that protects individuals and groups from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Reference to Title VI includes other civil rights provisions of Federal statutes and related authorities to the extent that they prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance.

Title VI Compliance

Title VI compliance is a situation where a recipient has effectively implemented all of the Title VI requirements or can demonstrate that every good faith effort has been made toward achieving this end.

Recipient: A recipient is any State, territory, possession, political subdivision, instrumentality, public or private agency, organization, entity or individual to whom Federal financial assistance is extended either directly or through another recipient, or transferee, but not the ultimate beneficiary of a program or activity. The Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization (JATSO) is a recipient of Federal financial assistance and complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in its programs and activities.

Programs Covered: Programs include any highway, transit, project, program or activity for the provision of services, financial aid, and other benefits. This includes education or training, work opportunities, health, welfare, rehabilitation, housing, or other services, whether provided directly by the recipient of financial assistance or other agents, through contracts or other arrangements with the recipient.

What Discrimination Does the Title VI Program Prohibit?

Discrimination under the JATSO’s Title VI program is an act (action or inaction), whether intentional or unintentional, through which a person or group, solely because of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age or income status, has been otherwise subjected to unequal treatment or impact, under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Who May File a Title VI Complaint?

A complaint may be filed by any individual or group that believes that they have been subjected to discrimination or retaliation based on their race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or income status. The complaint may be filed by the affected party or a representative and must be reduced to writing.

Complaint Investigation

Once a complaint is filed with the JATSO Title VI Coordinator, a review will be made to determine if JATSO has jurisdiction to investigate the issues raised. If JATSO does not have jurisdiction, the complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate agency. If JATSO does have jurisdiction, the allegations will be investigated and an attempt will be made to resolve the matter. If violations are found and negotiations to correct the violations are unsuccessful, enforcement proceedings may be initiated to attain compliance.

Retaliation Prohibited

A recipient is prohibited from retaliating against any person because they reported an unlawful policy or practice, or made charges, testified, or participated in any complaint action under Title VI. If you believe a recipient has retaliated against you, immediately contact JATSO’s Title VI Coordinator to investigate your allegation. Filing a complaint with JATSO does not prevent an individual or group from seeking remedy through other sources.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe a recipient has discriminated against you or others protected by Title VI, you may file a complaint with JATSO. Please direct your complaints to:
David Allgood
JATSO Title VI Coordinator
602 S Main Street
Joplin, MO 64801
Phone: 417-624-0820 ext 210

JATSO Plans