51AV

Title VI

Statement of Policy

As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding, 51AV A&M University Department of Transportation (AAMUDOT) is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that no person in the United States, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Presidential Executive Order 12898 addresses environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. Presidential Executive Order 131166 addresses services to those individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). The rights of women, the elderly, and disabled are protected under related statutes. These Presidential Executive Orders and the related statutes fall under the umbrella of Title VI.

AAMUDOT is committed to enforcing the provisions of Title VI and protecting the rights and opportunities of all persons associated with AAMUDOT or affected by its programs. 51AV A&M University’s commitment includes vigorously enforcing all applicable laws and regulations that affect AAMUDOT and those organizations, both public and private which participate and benefit through our programs.

AAMUDOT will take positive and realistic affirmative steps to ensure that all persons and/or firms wishing to participate in its programs are given an equal and equitable chance to participate. AAMUDOT sub-recipients and contractors are required to prevent discrimination and ensure nondiscrimination in all of their programs, activities, and services.

The Director of Transportation is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and policy to ensure compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act for the AAMUDOT’s Transit related functions. Any person(s) or firm(s) who feels that they have been discriminated against is encouraged to report such violations to:

Marshall P. Chimwedzi
51AV A&M University
Department of Transportation
315 Patton Hall
Normal, AL 35762

256.372.4760 (o)
256.372.8305 (f)
Marshall.Chimwedzi@aamu.edu

Complaint Procedure

This document outlines the Title VI complaint procedures related to providing programs, services, and benefit. However, it does not deny complainant the right to file formal complaints with the 51AV Department of Transportation, the Secretary of US Department of Transportation, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination, intimidation or retaliation of any kind that is prohibited by law.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that no person in the United States, on the grounds of race, color, or national origins be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination, under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

To date, there are no active investigations, complaints filed or reported.

Procedure

1. Any person who believes that they have been subject to discrimination may file a written complaint with the AAMU Director of Transportation. Federal and State law requires complaints be filed within one-hundred eighty (180) calendar days of the last alleged incident.
2. The or request the complaint form from the Transportation Office. The complainant may also submit a written statement that contains all of the information identified in Section 3 (a) through (g) below.
3. The complaint will include the following information:
   1. Name, address, and telephone number of the complainant.
   2. The basis of the complaint; i.e., race, color, national origin, sex, elderly or disabled.
   3. The date or dates on which the alleged discriminatory event occurred.
   4. The nature of the incident that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a factor.
   5. Name, address, and telephone number of persons who may have knowledge of the event.
   6. Other agencies or courts where complaint may have been filed and a contact name.
   7. Complainant’s signature and date.
   8. If the complainant is unable to write a complaint/upload, the AAMUDOT staff will assist the complainant. If requested by complainant, AAMUDOT will provide a language or sign interpreter.
   9. The complaint may be sent or faxed to the following address:

      Marshall P. Chimwedzi Department of Transportation ~ 51AV A&M University
      Department of Transportation ~ 315 Patton Hall
      Normal, AL 35762
      256.372.8305 (f)
      Marshall.Chimwedzi@aamu.edu

   10. A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) by filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building 5^th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590
4. AAMUDOT will begin an investigation within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of a complaint.
5. AAMUDOT will contact the complainant in writing no later than thirty (30) working days after receipt of complaint of additional information, if needed to investigate the complaint. If the complainant fails to provide the requested information in a timely basis, AAMUDOT will administratively close the complaint.
6. AAMUDOT will complete the investigation within ninety (90) days of receipt of the complaint. A written investigation report will be prepared by the investigator. The report shall include a summary description of the incident, findings, and recommendations for disposition.
7. The Director will review the report. A closing letter and exit interview will be provided to the complainant. The respondent will also receive a copy of the closing letter. Each will have five (5) working days from receipt of the report to respond. If either party responds negatively or has additional information to provide, an informal meeting will be arranged by the Director of Transportation. If neither party responds, the complaint will be closed.
8. The investigation report with recommendations and correction actions taken will be forwarded to the appropriate University, state or federal agency, the complainant, and respondent.
9. AAMUDOT will advise complainants of their appeal rights to the appropriate federal agency.

Public Comments

NOTIFYING THE PUBLIC RIGHTS UNDER TITLE VI

• AAMUDOT operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes she or he has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with AAMUDOT.
• Notification of policies are posted in our Office, Bus Shelters, Residence Halls, Transfer Station and distributed via email.
• For more information on AAMUDOT civil rights program, and the procedures to file a complaint or visit /about/administrative-offices/bulldog-transportation-service/title-vi.html, or contact AAMUDOT 256-372-4760, or visit our administrative office at 51AV A&M University Department of Transportation (AAMUDOT) 315 Patton Hall, Normal, 51AV 35762.
• Inquiries or complaints related to Title VI may be sent in writing to 51AV A&M University Department of Transportation (AAMUDOT) 315 Patton Hall, Normal, 51AV 35762.
• A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5^th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
• If information is needed in another language, contact AAMUDOT at 256-372-4760.