Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Civil Rights

Committed to equality in transportation service

Title VI Program

What is Title VI?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects individuals and groups from discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Specifically, 42 USC 2000d states: 


MnDOT is committed to providing equal opportunity to all persons and prohibiting discrimination based on protected group status. MnDOT adopted an expanded policy against discrimination under its U.S. DOT funding:

"Discrimination on the ground of race, color, national origin, disability/handicap, sex, age or income status shall not occur and is prohibited in programs or activities receiving FHWA funding.”

The obligation of Title VI applies to MnDOT as a recipient of federal funds and sub-recipients, such as cities, counties and grantees that receive federal funds from MnDOT. Moreover, when an agency or unit of government accepts federal funds, all of its programs and activities are subject to Title VI rules, regardless of their funding source.

What does this mean?

The following types of actions are prohibited under Title VI protections:

  • Exclude individuals or groups from participation in programs or activities
  • Deny program services or benefits to individuals or groups
  • Provide a different service or benefit, or provide them in a manner different from what is provided to others

How do I file a discrimination complaint?

Any individual or group that believes they have been subjected to discrimination or retaliation in violation of Title VI may file a discrimination complaint. Retaliation by respondents against persons who file a complaint or report or testify in a complaint investigation is prohibited. If you believe you have been a victim of retaliation due to filing a Title VI complaint please contact the FHWA’s Office of Civil Rights to investigate the allegations.

How is Title VI enforced?

MnDOT is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all businesses and personnel on our projects, programs and activities. The Office of Civil Rights conducts the following activities to enforce Title VI:

  • Providing Title VI training and technical support to staff, suppliers, vendors, contractors, local governments and other MnDOT subrecipients of federal funds
  • Processing Title VI complaints received by MnDOT
  • Conducting internal and external compliance reviews
  • Reporting on Title VI compliance activities
  • Approving the Title VI policies, assurances and plans of sub-recipients

Title VI policy and related resources

FHWA Title VI Implementation Plan

FTA Title VI Implementation Plan

Title VI Goals and Accomplishments Report