Overview
It is the policy of SCDOT to assure affirmative compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and in accordance with all other related statutes, regulations and Executive Orders. The assurances previously given by the Federal Highway Administration are hereby reaffirmed and extend to the Federal Transit Administration. Examples of the application of this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:
No person in the United States will on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which the Department receives federal financial assistance from the U. S. Department of Transportation, including the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. In addition, SCDOT will not retaliate against any person who complains of discrimination or who participates in an investigation of discrimination.
All Federally funded or Federally assisted programs will be administered in a manner to guarantee that the Department, other recipients, sub-recipients, contractors, subcontractors, transferees, and other recipients, sub-recipients, contractors, subcontractors, transferees, successors in interest, and other participants in Federal financial assistance comply with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to, civil rights acts and Department of Transportation regulations.
The Department will not discriminate in its selection and retention of contractors, including without limitation, those whose services are retained for, or incidental to, construction, planning, research, highway safety, engineering, public transportation, property management, fee contracts, and other formal commitments with person for services and expenses incidental to the acquisition of right of way.
Discrimination will not be permitted against any eligible persons in making relocation payments and /or providing relocation assistance when required by highway right of way acquisitions.
Federal-aid contractors may not discriminate in their selection and retention of subcontractors who participate in Federal-aid construction, acquisition of right of way and related projects, including those who supply materials and lease equipment.
The Department will not discriminate against the traveling public, business users of Federally assisted highways and public transportation users in their access to and use of the facilities and services provided for public accommodation (such as eating, sleeping, rest, recreation and vehicle servicing) constructed on, over or under right of way.
The Department will not locate, design a highway or provide for transportation services in a manner that will discriminate against any person based on his or her race, color, or national origin.
In location, design and construction of highway facilities, and transportation services, care will be exercised to insure reasonable access to and use thereof by all persons regardless of race, color, or national origin.
Title VI Complaint Procedures
The Title VI Complaint Procedures apply to complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, relating to any program and/or activity administered by SCDOT or its sub-recipients, consultants, and/or contractors. Intimidation or retaliation of any kind is prohibited by law.
These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file formal complaints with other State or Federal agencies, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. These procedures are part of an administrative process that does not provide for remedies that include punitive damages or compensatory remuneration for the complainant.
Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest possible level. The option of informal mediation meeting(s) between the affected parties and the investigator may be utilized for resolution, at any stage of the process. SCDOT will make every effort to pursue a resolution of the complaint. Initial interviews with the complainant and the respondent will include requests for information regarding specific relief and settlement options.
Related Links
- FHWA Title VI Program
- FTA Title VI Program
- Title VI Brochure
- Título VI Folleto
- Sample Title VI Complaint Processing Procedures
- Title VI Discrimination Complaint Form
- Title VI Discrimination Complaint Form - Spanish
- Sample Title VI Complaint Log
- Limited English Proficiency Plan
- Notice to the Public of Rights Under Title VI English
- Notice to the Public of Rights Under Title VI Spanish