Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 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 subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Although Title VI is enforced by federal agencies, many state agencies and other qualified organizations administer continuing programs subject to Title VI and must take affirmative steps to monitor the compliance efforts of their sub-recipients. In instances where state agencies and other qualified organizations are given discretionary authority by a federal agency to dispense assistance to sub-recipients like Vanderbilt, those state agencies and other qualified organizations must have an effective and verifiable oversight and monitoring program in place to monitor their sub-recipients' compliance with Title VI. It is through these oversight and monitoring programs that Vanderbilt receives and must complete Title VI Compliance Questionnaires, also known as Title VI Surveys. Should your department receive a Title VI Survey, please timely direct it to the Equal Opportunity and Access Office.

Individuals who wish to file a Title VI complaint with Vanderbilt University may do so through the Equal Opportunity and Access Office (EOA). Persons may also file a Title VI complaint through the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC). Complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education or U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Once a complaint is filed, EOA will review it to determine whether the issues raised arise under Title VI. EOA will investigate and remediate any violations of Vanderbilt non-discrimination policies. For more information, please see Investigations.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Vanderbilt University is committed to assuring effective communication and access to our programs and activities for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). To request translation or interpretation services, please submit a Translation Services Request.