Title VI Policy Statement

Title VI Coordinator - Amanda Burns

Email Mrs. Burns at ABurns@WhiteHouseTN.gov or call at 615-672-4350, ext. 2108

The City of White House will comply with the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987. The City will utilize its best efforts in maintaining compliance in all programs subject to the requirements of Title VI and all other federal regulations applicable to the administration of such programs.

The City of White House:

• Will not deny any person service, assistance, or other benefit for which you are qualified;

• Will not provide any person with a service different from that provided to other under the same program;

• Will not subject any person to separate treatment in any manner related to services, aid, or other benefits;

• Will not limit any person in any way in the use of services, facilities, or any other advantages, privileges, or benefits provided to others under any program;

• Will not treat any person differently from others in deciding whether you meet requirements to receive aid, care, service, or other benefit;

• Will not deny any person or offer an opportunity different from that offered others in any program or service;

• Will not adopt methods that limit participation by any group of recipients or subject them to discrimination; and,

• Will not refer any person to agencies that do not obey civil rights law.

All agencies receiving financial assistance through or acting as contractors of the City must sign a statement of compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Your Guide to Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964

The City of White House’s Title VI Program’s primary goal is to ensure all management staff, contractees, and service beneficiaries are aware of the provisions of Title VI and the responsibilities associated with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We are available to provide you with technical assistance, resources, guidance, and any other information in regards to Title VI. Please do not hesitate to call our office for further assistance. We look forward to partnering with you!

What is the Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act?

“No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under a program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from the City of White House.”

It covers all forms of federal aid except those federally funded contracts of insurance and guaranty. It does not cover employment, except where employment practices result in discrimination against program beneficiaries or where the purpose of federal assistance is to provide employment. Nor does it apply to discrimination based on age, sex, geographical locale or wealth.

What is covered by Title VI?

Title VI addresses areas of services such as:

• Transportation
• Construction
• The distribution of benefits and services
• Tax benefits enjoyed by private agencies, fraternal and non-profit organizations (i.e. 501 (c) 3), as well as educational institutions
• Locations of facilities
• Law enforcement and environmental issues
• Program effects on people in applicable communities
• Healthcare (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, Tenncare), social services, and Public welfare
• Natural resources and the environment
• Employment and job training
• Housing and community development
• Agriculture and nutrition

This is not an inclusive list.

What discrimination is prohibited by Title VI?

There are many forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color or national origin that can limit the opportunity of minorities to obtain equal access to services and programs. Among other things, in operating a federally assisted program, a recipient cannot, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, either directly or through contractual means:

• Deny program services, aids or benefits;
• Provide a different service, aid, or benefit, or provide them in a manner different than they are to others;
• Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the recipient of any service, aid or benefit.
• How can I file a discrimination complaint?

You may file a signed, written complaint within 180 days to the date of the alleged discrimination.

The complaint should include:

• Your name, address, and telephone number.
• The name and address of the agency, institution, or department you believe discriminated against you.
• How, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much specific, detailed information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination, and any other relevant information.
• The names of any persons, if known, who the City of White House could contact for clarity of your allegations.

Your complaint must be signed.

Please submit your complaint to the address below:

City of White House
Human Resources
Amanda Burns, Human Resources Director
105 College Street
White House, TN 37188
Telephone: (615) 672-4350, ext. 2108
Fax: (615) 616-1058

Resources: Tennessee department of Transportation, Civil Rights Office

Title VI: Non-Discrimination Complaint Procedure

PROCEDURE OVERVIEW

It is the City’s desire to address external source complaints and grievances expeditiously. However, it is recognized that there will be occasional situations that may require extensive review and consideration as need dictates, which may create undesired time lapse.

Individuals desiring to file a Title VI Complaint/Grievance should contact City of White House Human Resources Director/ Title VI Coordinator within (180) calendar days following the incident or as soon as applicable when conditions allow as a result of emergent communication restraints. Individuals may present grievances as applicable to provisions of Title VI ordinance and should feel comfortable doing so without fear of retaliation, scrutiny, criticism or service denial.

These procedures apply to all complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, relating to any program or activity administered by the City of White House, consultants and/or contractors.  Intimidation or retaliation of any kind is prohibited by law.

These procedures do not deny the right of the complainant to file formal complaints with other State or Federal Agencies or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.  These procedures are part of an administrative process that does not provide for remedies that include punitive damages or compensatory remuneration for the complaint.

Every effort will be made to obtain early resolution of complaints at the lowest level possible.  The option of informal mediation meeting(s) between the affected parties and the Title VI Coordinator may be utilized for resolution at any stage of the complaint.

Title VI Definition:

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.

PROCEDURES

1. Individual files written grievance with the City of White House Title VI Coordinator, utilizing attached Complaint Form (use attached pdf), within (180) calendar days of the incident or immediately as applicable to communication availability.
   
   
2. Complainant submits copies of witness statements or other supporting documents along with attached complaint form to Title VI Coordinator.
   
   
3. Title VI Coordinator promptly considers the complaint and initiates review as to the merit of the complaint if appropriate. Complaints against the City of White House will be referred to the appropriate State or Federal agency for proper disposition pursuant to their procedure.
   
   
4. In cases where the City of White House assumes the investigation of the complaint, the complaint receives a case number and is logged into the City of White House records identifying its basis and alleged harm. Formal written notification to the complainant confirming complaint receipt is issued within 7 calendar days.
   
   
5. Respondents are notified immediately upon receipt of complaint and are requested to provide written response to allegations within 10 calendar days.
   
   
6. The City of White House final investigative report and a copy of the complaint will be forwarded to the appropriate State and Federal Agency and affected parties within 60 calendar days of the acceptance of the complaint.
   
   
7. The City of White House will notify the parties of its final decision.
   
   
8. If the complainant is not satisfied with the results of the investigation of the alleged discrimination and practices the complainant will be advised of the right to appeal to the appropriate State or Federal Agency.                      

COMPLAINT DISMISSAL

A complaint may be dismissed for the following reasons:

1. The complainant requests the withdrawal of the complaint.
   
   
2. The complainant fails to respond to repeated questions for additional information needed to process the complaint.
   
   
3. The complainant cannot be located after reasonable attempts.

Contact Address:

City of White House Department of Human Resources
Attn:  Amanda Burns, Title VI Coordinator
105 College Street
White House, TN  37188
(615) 672-4350, ext. 2109
(615) 616-1058 FAX