Title VI
As the recipient of federal funds, TDEC is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable nondiscrimination laws and regulations. These requirements apply to any recipient of federal funding, including both direct recipients (such as TDEC) and subrecipients who indirectly receive assistance to implement a program or activity. If TDEC or subrecipients are found to be in violation of Title VI, federal agencies can suspend or terminate federal funding to TDEC and its programs.
Please visit TDEC's Non-Discrimination page for more information including our Notice of Non-Discrimination, Complaint Process, Disability Access, and Language Assistance information.
What is Title VI?
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides that, "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. TDEC is a recipient of federal financial assistance and is thus required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and accompanying rules and regulations. If TDEC fails to comply, it may be subject to the suspension or loss of its federal funding, in whole or in part.
The state of Tennessee also requires compliance with Title VI. Tenn. Code § 4-21-904 which provides that "It is a discriminatory practice for any state agency receiving federal funds making it subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or for any person receiving such federal funds from a state agency, to exclude a person from participation in, deny benefits to a person, or to subject a person to discrimination under any program or activity receiving such funds, on the basis of race, color, or national origin."
TDEC is required to take the following actions to ensure compliance with Title VI:
- Staff completion of Title VI training;
- Provision of free language assistance services to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons to ensure meaningful access to TDEC services, programs, and activities; and
- Ensuring that all grantees, sub-recipients, and contractors receiving TDEC-funded grants and contracts adhere to Title VI and all applicable laws, regulations, and rules.
TDEC is committed to ensuring all management staff, contractors, and service beneficiaries are aware of the provisions of and responsibilities associated with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Title VI Resources for Subrecipients and Contractors
Recipients of Federal financial assistance are required to comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws and regulations; these requirements extend to subrecipients who indirectly receive federal assistance through TDEC, such as a city, county, academic institution, nonprofit organization, or contractor.
TDEC manages subrecipient compliance through our Grants Management System, including a Title VI Compliance Application that must be completed on an annual basis by all subrecipients. TDEC developed the resources below to provide more information and assist subrecipients in completing Title VI requirements.
- Subrecipient Guide to Title VI Requirements
- Nondiscrimination Plan Template for Subrecipients (Customizable template if your organization does not have existing Title VI policies or resources)
- TDEC Title VI Training -For Sub-Recipients and Contractors. The online training will end with a certificate of completion. You must take a screenshot or photo of this certificate to retain for your records and submit to TDEC's Grants Management System. If you have any questions about the training, email TDEC.TitleVI@tn.gov.