Title VI
Complaint Procedures
A Title VI complaint may be filed by any individual or individuals who allege that he or she has been subjected to discrimination or adverse impact under any FTA funded program or activity based on race, color, or national origin. The University of North Alabama has adopted Title VI complaint procedures for investigating and tracking complaints. A formal, signed, written Title VI complaint form must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged act of discrimination. A copy of the complaint form is included in Appendix B. The complaint procedures and complaint form are also posted on the University of North Alabama’s website*. Completed forms should be submitted to:
Once the complaint is received, the University of North Alabama will review it to determine who has jurisdiction. The complainant will receive an acknowledgement letter informing her/him whether the complaint will be investigated by the University of North Alabama’s office. The University of North Alabama will only process complaint forms that are complete.
In a situation where the complainant is unable or incapable of providing a written complaint, a verbal complaint of discrimination may be made to the University of North Alabama. Under these circumstances, the complainant will be interviewed and the University of North Alabama will assist the complainant in converting the verbal allegations to a formal written complaint.
The University of North Alabama has 15 business days to investigate the complaint. If more information is needed to resolve the case, the University of North Alabama may contact the complainant. The complainant has 15 business days from the date of this letter to send requested information to the investigator assigned to the case. If the investigator is not contacted by the complainant or does not receive the additional information within 15 business days, the University of North Alabama can administratively close the case. A case can also be administratively closed if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue the case.
After the investigator reviews the complaint, she/he will issue one of two letters to the complainant: a closure letter or a letter of finding (LOF). A closure letter summarizes the allegations and states that there was not a Title VI violation and that the case will be closed. An LOF summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident and explains whether any disciplinary action, additional training of the accused staff member, or other action will occur. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, she/he has 15 days after the date of the closure letter or the LOF to do so.
If the complainant is not satisfied with actions taken locally or if they demand further action, the complaint will be referred to Mr. Joe Nix, Alabama Department of Transportation, Modal Programs Bureau, 1100 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36110.
A person may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration at FTA Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
*If information is needed in another language, complainant can contact 256-765-4100.