Title VI

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Title VI Program

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that protects individuals and groups from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. However, the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) reference to Title VI includes other civil rights provisions of federal statutes and related authorities to the extent that they prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

See frequently asked questions.

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Title VI for Subrecipients

A subrecipient is an entity or person that indirectly receives federal financial assistance to implement a program or activity, which subjects them to Title VI compliance responsibilities. A subrecipient may include, but is not limited to, a city, county, metropolitan or regional planning organization, transit agency, college/university, contractor or subgrantee.

A primary recipient is an entity or person that directly receives federal financial assistance and/or manages a program or activity, which would subject them to Title VI compliance responsibilities. In this situation, the Iowa DOT is the primary recipient.

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Complaint Resolution Process

Complaint procedures

A signed, written Title VI complaint must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged act of discrimination. The complaint must include the following information.

  • Your name, address and telephone number. If you are filing on behalf of another person, include their name, address, telephone number and your relationship to the complainant (e.g., friend, attorney, parent, etc.).
  • The name and address of the agency, program or organization that you believe discriminated against you.
  • A description of how, why and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include as much background information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination.
  • Your signature.

Complaint Forms

Complaints must be filed in person or in writing. They should be directed to:

Iowa Department of Transportation
Civil Rights Bureau
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, Iowa 50010

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Title VI Documents and Forms

The forms portion of this library provides access to forms relating to employees, external (nonemployee), and subrecipients.

Documenting Title VI Program

LEP Plan

Subrecipients and contractors must take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals.

Iowa DOT LEP Plan
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Our Nondiscrimination Policy Statement

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Title VI Brochures

The Title VI brochures are available and distributed through the Iowa DOT’s resident construction engineer offices, locations where access and utility permits are available, maintenance garages and rest areas. The brochures are placed in Iowa DOT facilities that are readily accessible to the public. If you should have further questions or concerns, call the Title VI specialist at 515-239-1921.

Title VI Subrecipient Guide to Implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This publication provides information to local public agencies, MPOs, RPAs, regional transit agencies, contractors and other federal-aid recipients on their commitment to assure nondiscrimination in its programs and activities.  This publication addresses:

  • Who is a primary recipient and subrecipient?
  • What is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
  • What if the recipient retaliates against me for asserting my rights or filing a complaint?
  • What will the Iowa DOT do with my complaint?

Subrecipient guide brochure

Title VI and You...

This brochure provides information to the traveling public on how to file a Title VI complaint with the Iowa DOT, and addresses topics such as:

  • Who may file a Title VI complaint?
  • What information is included in a Title VI complaint?
  • What if the recipient retaliates against me for asserting my rights or filing a complaint?
  • What will the Iowa DOT do with my complaint?

Protect Your Civil Rights brochure

Protect Your Civil Rights brochure (Español)

Iowa DOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other nondiscrimination statutes. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Iowa DOT Civil Rights at 515-239-1111 or by email at civil.rights@iowadot.us. 

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