Records Building - 500 Elm Street, Suite 4100, Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 653-7638 • Fax: (214) 653-7608


Title VI Overview - NEW Policy

At the August 11, 2015 Commissioner’s Court meeting a Title VI Non-Discrimination Policy was approved. The purpose of this policy is to articulate Dallas County’s commitment to fully comply with Title VI of the Civil rights Act of 1964, and related statutes. 

The intent of Title VI, and related statutes, is to ensure that all persons, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, disability, or national origin, are allowed to participate in federally funded/assisted programs. Federal financial assistance means more than just money; it is also aid that enhances the ability to improve or expand allocation of a recipient’s own resources. If an agency receives any federal financial assistance for any program or activity, the entire agency is required to comply with Title VI, not just that particular program.

Dallas County Title VI Policy Statement
Dallas County, as a recipient of Federal financial assistance and under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, ensures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, religion (where the primary objective of the financial assistance is to provide employment per 42 U.S.C. 2000d-3), color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any Dallas County programs or activities. Link to Dallas County’s Title VI Policy Statement (English & Spanish).

Dallas County Title VI Overview
The purpose of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is to prohibit programs that receive federal funds from discriminating against participants on the basis of race, color or national origin. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as codified in 42 U.S.C. 2000d, states: 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.  Links to Dallas County's Title VI Summary - English & Spanish.


Dallas County Title VI Plan

To ensure that County departments/elected officials comply with the County’s Title VI Plan, procedures have been established. Link to Dallas County’s Title VI Nondiscrimination Plan. These procedures set forth, among other things:

  • Title VI Complaint Procedure. Compliance with Title VI requires investigation of all Title VI complaints. Any person who believes that he/she has been excluded from participation in, denied benefits or services of any program or activity administered by Dallas County or its subrecipients, consultants and contractors on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability may bring a discrimination complaint under Title VI. Only complaints based on the complainant’s protected status will be considered under Title VI. A complaint should be made within 180 calendar days from the date of the alleged act of discrimination or the date the person(s) became aware of the alleged act(s) of discrimination

    The Title VI Complaint Process is overseen by the Title VI Coordinator, the Director of Human Resources. The Title VI Coordinator is responsible for investigating Title VI complaints, which should be sent to:

    Dallas County Human Resources
    Dallas County Director of Human Resources and Title VI Coordinator

    Records Building
    500 Elm Street
    Suite 4100
    Dallas, TX 75202
    (214) 653-7638 (phone)
    (214) 653-7608 (fax)

    Complaint forms can be obtained at the Dallas County Title VI Coordinators office located at the same address above or at the Dallas County website. 
    Each Department/Elected Official shall maintain a log of Title VI Complaints.
  • Environmental Justice/Public Participation Plan. Compliance with Title VI includes taking reasonable efforts to ensure that no minority or low income population suffers “disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effect” due to any “programs, policies and activities” undertaken by any Dallas County department/elected official. The Dallas County environmental justice/public participation plan sets forth a four step process for when engaging in any program or activity which may have an adverse human health or environmental effect.
  • Contractor/subcontractor compliance. Dallas County’s Title VI Plan also establishes procedures to make sure that the County’s contractor’s and sub-recipients adhere to Federal and State laws and include in all written agreements or contracts Title VI Nondiscrimination Assurances that the contractor/sub-recipient must comply with Title VI and other related statutes. Each department/elected official, receiving Federal funds/assistance in its programs and activities, shall monitor its contractors/sub-recipients for voluntary compliance with Title VI.
  • Limited English Proficiency Plan. Title VI and its implementing regulations require that recipients take responsible steps to ensure meaningful access to the benefits, services, information, and other important portions of their programs and activities for individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP). To that end, Dallas County has established procedures for each department/elected official to conduct a current and accurate LEP needs assessment that will determine the characteristics of each departments/elected officials potentially affected population and the LEP translation/interpretive services each department/elected official provides. 

    Generally, when an interpreter is needed, in person or on the telephone, staff should first determine what language is required and provide assistance pursuant to the Dallas County LEP Plan and their department guidelines. Bilingual staff may be able to assist with communications with LEP persons. The Title VI Coordinator will compile a voluntary list of individuals who fluently write or speak a language other than English and distribute to the department heads/elected officials. Use of informal interpreters, such as family or friends of the LEP person seeking service, or other customers, is discouraged, with minor children generally prohibited from acting as interpreters. No staff may suggest or require an LEP person provide an interpreter in order to receive services. 

    Each Department/Elected Official shall maintain a log of requests for interpretive/translation services in their service area.

For additional information please contact the Title VI Coordinator, Dallas County Human Resources Department at (214) 653-7668.