Simple justice requires that public funds, to which all taxpayers of all races [colors, and national origins] contribute, not be spent in any fashion which encourages, entrenches, subsidizes or results in racial [color or national origin] discrimination.

If a recipient of federal assistance is found to have discriminated and voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, the federal agency providing the assistance should either initiate fund termination proceedings or refer the matter to the Department of Justice for appropriate legal action. Aggrieved individuals may file administrative complaints with the federal agency that provides funds to a recipient, or the individuals may file suit for appropriate relief in federal court. Title VI itself prohibits intentional discrimination. However, most funding agencies have regulations implementing Title VI that prohibit recipient practices that have the effect of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implementing regulations at 6 C.F.R § 21 also prohibit discriminatory effects in Department assisted programs and activities. Specifically, recipients are forbidden from “Utiliz[ing] criteria or methods of administration which have the effect of subjecting persons to discrimination because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program with respect to individuals of a particular race, color, or national origin.” 6 C.F.R. § 21.5

DHS assistance includes, but is not limited to grants, cooperative agreements, and loans of federal funds; or valuable “in-kind” assistance such as training or the donation or use of equipment. Examples of DHS recipients include state or local homeland security agencies; state or local emergency management agencies; state and local fire departments; state and local police departments; port and mass transit authorities; state motor vehicle departments; non-profit organizations; and universities and colleges.

For more information on Title VI activities, you may contact DHS by mail or phone: