Purpose of Title VI

Title VI is intended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of color, race or national origin in programs that receive federal financial assistance. Title VI prohibits discrimination by federal authorities as well as by recipients of federal assistance.

Title VI applies to a program even if federal money comprises only a portion of the program's budget. The act is a service delivery-oriented statute, meaning that the emphasis is on services provided by a government agency to the citizens of a given area. If federal money is used to provide services, then Title VI applies and services must be delivered in a non-discriminatory manner.

A recipient of federal assistance violates Title VI when it:

• Denies an individual service, aid, or benefits because of race, color, or national origin;
• Provides only inferior or discriminatory service, aid, or benefits because of an individual's race, color, or national origin;
• Subjects an individual to segregation or different treatment in relation to service, aid, or benefits because of race, color, or national origin;
• Restricts or discourages individuals in their enjoyment of facilities because of race, color, or national origin;
• Treats an individual differently because of race, color, or national origin in regard to eligibility for programs or services;
• Uses criteria which would impair accomplishments of the act's objectives, or which would subject individuals to discrimination because of race, color, or national origin;
• Discriminates against an individual in any program or activity that is conducted in a facility constructed even partly with federal funds; or
• Subjects an individual to discriminatory employment practices under any federal program intended to provide employment.