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Equity and Civil Rights for Communities

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Content Editor ‭[3]‬

Guide

Content Editor ‭[2]‬

Content Editor ‭[1]‬

Equity & Civil Rights

Resources to Help You Get the Outcomes Your Community Wants

There are laws and authorities that protect you from discrimination in transportation decisions. Civil rights laws and policies ensure that decision-makers—including those in transportation—consider the needs of all, including groups that have historically been underrepresented and underserved by past and current transportation programs, facilities or services. This includes racial and ethnic communities, low-income communities and people with disabilities.

CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS & POLICIES

Four diverse individuals standing together

Title VI/
Nondiscrimination

Title VI / Nondiscrimination is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin. NCDOT applies Title VI to all projects to ensure fair representation and consideration of all populations.

Family moving into a new home

Environmental
Justice (EJ)

Environmental Justice (EJ) is a long-standing government initiative rooted in Title VI and advanced in North Carolina by state executive orders (No. 246 and No. 292). These orders direct state cabinet agencies to engage underserved communities disproportionately affected by agency decisions, ensure meaningful opportunities for public participation in policies and programs, and integrate EJ considerations to the full extent permitted by law.

Transportation worker assisting a woman with a disibility exit her vehicle

Americans With
Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and ensures equal opportunity and access for this community. Accessible transportation systems further the goal of independence for people with disabilities.

Three individuals reading from a workbook

Limited English
Proficiency (LEP)

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) accommodations ensure individuals who do not speak English as their primary language can fully participate in government programs and activities. Per Title VI’s prohibition of discrimination based on national origin, NCDOT provides language assistance to LEP individuals, including both written translation of vital documents and oral interpretation during public meetings and key project conversations.

How you can get involved in Equity and Civil Rights for transportation projects

CLICK ON THE TABLE CELLS BELOW to learn what agencies are required to provide to the public and how these policies provide opportunities for you to get involved in Equity and Civil Rights for transportation projects.

WHAT
ARE AGENCIES REQUIRED TO PROVIDE?

WHERE
CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Title VI/Nondiscrimination

  • Title VI plan to outline the agency's requirements, roles, method of administration, and analysis
  • Notice to the public of upcoming projects and methods to participate
  • At meetings/events when governmental organizations do transportation planning
  • At public meetings for projects affecting your community
  • Contact the agency

Environmental Justice

  • Meaningful public participation
  • At public meetings for projects affecting your community
  • Contact the agency

Americans with Disabilities Act

  • Accessible buildings, buses, trains, sidewalks, and more
  • When agencies provide transportation options, they must be accessible for persons with disabilities
  • Equity during participation
  • Through state and local disability councils
  • At public meetings for projects affecting your community
  • Contact the agency

Limited English Proficiency

  • LEP Plan outlining reasonable steps to serve and communicate effectively with LEP populations
  • Translations of materials and interpreters at public meetings
  • At public meetings for projects affecting your community
  • Contact the agency

      12/21/2023 2:31 PM