Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964

The University of Minnesota ensures that members of our campus transit service area are aware of Title VI provisions and the responsibilities associated with Title VI.

Title VI Graphic
What is Title VI?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance. Title VI states 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.” In addition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, there are other laws that we must uphold.

On February 11, 1994, President Clinton signed Executive Order 12898: Federal Action to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations (PDF). Its purpose is to focus federal attention on the environmental and human health effects of federal actions on minority and low-income populations. The goal of this Executive Order is to achieve environmental protection for all communities.

On August 11, 2000, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. We are required to examine the services we provide and identify any need for services to people who speak English as a second language.

File a complaint

University of Minnesota Transit pledges that you will have access to all its programs, services and benefits without regard to race, color or national origin.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you may file a complaint with the University of Minnesota’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA). Complaints may be brought at any time, although untimely reports might impact EOAA's ability to address concerns effectively. To report the alleged discriminatory action, email eoaa@umn.edu or by phone (612-624-9547).

Tell us how, when, where and why you believe you were discriminated against. Give your name, address and phone number. You must sign and date your letter. Or you can access the Title VI complaint procedure and form.

Upon request, this publication will be made available in alternative formats to people with disabilities.

Complaint process

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, or national origin, you may file a complaint in any of the following ways:

This process has been prepared in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq, and its implementing regulations, which state that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. Complaints may be submitted to (1) PTS or (2) to the University of Minnesota Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA). 

(1) To submit an Title VI Complaint to PTS, 

  1. Complete the Title VI Complaint Form or call PTS at 612-626-7275. If the complainant is unable to write a complaint, a representative may file on his or her behalf or PTS staff will provide assistance. PTS will provide for a prompt and equitable resolution by following this process: 

  2. Upon receipt of the complaint, the PTS Title VI Coordinator will begin a prompt investigation and contact the complainant if additional information is needed. 

  3. If the issue is operational or involves equipment, PTS will promptly resolve the complaint and communicate its response to the complainant, including its reasons for the response. In other cases, a PTS Coordinator may transmit the complaint to the UMN's Office of EOAA and EOAA will respond to the complaint. 

(2) To file a complaint with EOAA,

  1. Contact EOAA at 612-624-9547 or eoaa@umn.edu. Complaints may be brought at any time, although untimely reports might impact EOAA's ability to address concerns effectively. To learn more about the University's policies against disability discrimination, EOAA's process for addressing complaints of discrimination, and access additional University resources, please visit eoaa.umn.edu.

The University prohibits retaliation for reporting discrimination.

To request disability accommodations, please contact the University's Disability Resource Center:

180 McNamara Alumni Ctr 
200 Oak Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-1333 (V/TTY) 
612-626-9654 (FAX) 
drc@umn.edu

According to USDOT regulations, 49 CFR §21.11(b), a complaint must be filed not later than 180 days after the date of the last instance of alleged discrimination. However, a complaint may be filed anytime with the University’s EOAA Office per the instructions above.  Please note that a complaint may be dismissed for the following reasons: a complaint may be dismissed for the following reasons:

  • The person making the complaint requests the withdrawal of the complaint.
  • The person making the complaint fails to respond to requests for additional information that is needed to process the complaint.

(3). File a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights.

Title VI Plan

The University of Minnesota has a Title VI Program (PDF), which is updated every three years. This plan explains how we prevent discrimination and disparate impact. It also explains how we meet the requirements given to us from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Limited English Proficiency Language Assistance Plan

In accordance with DOJ Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Guidance (PDF), we are required to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to its programs and activities for speakers of languages other than English. Languages that are supported are determined through a four-factor analysis:

  1. The number or proportion of LEP persons eligible to be served or likely to be encountered by the program or grantee
  2. The frequency with which LEP individuals come in contact with the program
  3. The nature and importance of the program, activity, or service provided by the program to people’s lives
  4. The resources available to the grantee / recipient and costs.

Review our Limited English Proficiency Language Assistance Plan (PDF).

Contact us

University of Minnesota Parking & Transportation Services - Transit
c/o:  Equal Opportunity — Title VI
511 Washington Avenue SE - 300 TSB
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-626-7275
E-mail: parking@umn.edu