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/handicap and/or income level, the complaint may be filed by the affected party or a representative, and must be in writing.

What information do I include in my complaint?

A signed, written complaint should be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination, including:

• Your name, address and telephone number. If you are filing on behalf of another person, include their name, address, telephone number and your relation to that person.
• The name and address of the agency, firm or department you believe discriminated against you.
• Your signature.
• A description of how, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much background information as possible about the alleged acts.
• The names of individuals whom you allege discriminated against you if you know them.
• The names of any persons, if known, that can be contacted for additional information to support or clarify your allegations.

How can I file a discrimination complaint?

If you believe that a US DOT recipient has discriminated against you or others protected by Title VI, you may file a complaint. Complaints may be filed with any of the following persons:

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

TITLE VI

"No person In the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." (42 U.S.C. 2000d).  This information is designed to assist you in understanding your rights under the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

What is Title VI?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the 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. However, USDOT's 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 Policy

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Restoration Act of 1987 and other nondiscrimination authorities, it is the policy of ConnDOT that discrimination on the ground of race, color, national origin, disability/handicap, sex, age, or income status shall not occur in connection with programs or activities receiving financial assistance from the USDOT.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will ensure that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the USDOT.

Title VI Compliance

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

USDOT Recipient

A USDOT Federal-aid recipient is any State, territory, possession, political subdivision, instrumentality, public or private agency, organization, entity or individual to whom USDOT assistance is extended either directly or through another recipient.

Programs Covered

Federally-assisted programs include any USDOT 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 or other agents, through contracts or other arrangements with the recipient.

What discrimination is prohibited by the ConnDOT Title VI Program?

Discrimination under our 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/handicap, sex, age or income status has been otherwise subjected to unequal treatment or impact, under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from USDOT.

In operating USDOT-assisted programs, a recipient cannot discriminate either directly or through contractual or other means by:

• Denying programs services, financial aids, or other benefits
• Providing different program services, financial aids or other benefits, or providing them in manner different from that provided to others;

• Segregating or separately treating individuals or groups in any matter related to the receipt of any program service, financial aid or benefit;

• Restricting in any way the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any program service, financial aid or other benefits;

• Denying person(s) the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning, advisory or similar body;
• Denying person(s) the opportunity to participate in the program through the provision of services, or affording the opportunity to do so differently form those afforded others.