It is the policy of the City of Federal Way to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. The City of Federal Way further assures that every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not. 

 

TITLE VI DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE AND COMPLAINT FORMS

Title VI Discrimination Complaints Procedure:

The Title VI Discrimination Complaints Procedure is a mechanism to resolve grievances, remedy discrimination, and improve program delivery and services. Any person or group who believes they were discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin in programs, services, or activities where there is federal assistance may file a Title VI complaint. Complaints related to the federal-aid highway program may be filed with the City of Federal Way, Puget Sound Regional Council, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Headquarters Office of Civil Rights (HCR), the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Departmental Office of Civil Rights, or the United States Department of Justice. According to the USDOT regulations, 49 CFR§21.11(b), a complaint must be filed no later than 180 days after the date of the last instance of alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by the processing agency. Complaints should be in writing, signed, and filed by mail, fax, in person, or by email.

 

 


Title VI Complaint Procedures

If you believe that you have been discriminated against because of your race, color, or national origin, then you have the right to file a formal complaint with WSDOT within 180 days of the alleged incident.


HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT
1. Complete the Title VI Complaint Form, answering every question.
2. Submit the signed complaint as directed on the form. We cannot accept unless it has been signed.)
3. Upon receipt the complaint form, it will be reviewed to ensure that it is complete. A notice acknowledging receipt will be provided within 10 working days. The complaint will then be forwarded to the federal funding agency through Washington State Department of Transportation-Office of Equal Opportunity . The federal funding agency is responsible for all decisions regarding whether a complaint should be accepted (and investigated), dismissed, or referred to another agency.
4. When the federal funding agency decides whether to accept, dismiss, or transfer the complaint, it will notify the complainant, and the other agencies (as appropriate) as to the status of the complaint.


These procedures do not deny you the right to file a formal complaint directly with the federal funding agencies or seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. Federal law prohibits intimidation or retaliation against you of any kind.


These procedures cover all complaints filed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, relating to any program, service, or activity administered by WSDOT or [city/county/entity] well as its sub-recipients, consultants, and contractors.