Frequently Asked Questions

The Town has been working towards Title VI compliance and has made significant progress with the adoption of various plans (e.g., Language Access Plan, Race & Equity Action Plan, Carrboro Connects Comprehensive Plan) over the past five years. The adoption of the Title VI Plan consolidates these efforts and has been approved for compliance by the NC Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights.

Private businesses are only covered if they receive federal financial assistance. The Town’s Title VI Plan does not cover discrimination by non-governmental institutions or disputes between community members. A Town staff workgroup will be exploring opportunities for the Town to support community members whose complaint fall outside the scope of Title VI as part of implementation.

Employment discrimination is covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Public complaints about employment discrimination should be directed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Town employees should refer to grievance procedures in the Town of Carrboro Code or contact the EEOC.

Title VI refers to a provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, in programs, services, and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Nondiscrimination coverage under Title VI has since been expanded to include all federally protected classes across all programs, services, and activities of federal aid recipients, not just those directly federally funded. 

A Title VI Plan establishes policies, practices, and procedures to prevent discrimination, including a complaint process for individuals who believe they have been discriminated against under Title VI. Specific requirements are outlined in 23 CFR §200.9(b)(11) and Chapter 3, Section 4 of FTA C 4702.1B.

Federal aid recipients through the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) must include nondiscrimination assurances in a Title VI Plan. As a recipient of USDOT funding through the NC Department of Transportation, the Town of Carrboro is required to have a Title VI Plan.

Protected classes include race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, familial status, pregnancy, income level, National Guard or veteran status, or religion. Note that some protections are limited to specific cases involving employment, fair housing, or transportation programs. See the Town's Title VI Complaint Process & Procedures for more information.

Discriminatory acts may include denial of services based on protected status, use of slurs or stereotypes by Town staff, or lack of access to essential services based on language spoken.

Title VI complaints can be filed with the Town of Carrboro and/or related state/federal agency. Title VI complaints filed with the Town of Carrboro should be via mail, email, telephone, or hand delivery to the Town of Carrboro Title VI Coordinator within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. Title VI complaint forms are available on the Town website and in the vestibule at Carrboro Town Hall.

Submitting a Title VI complaint with the Town of Carrboro is not a prerequisite to filing a timely Title VI complaint with the applicable state or federal agency having jurisdiction over the complaint. See the Town's Title VI Complaint Process & Procedures for more information on how to submit a Title VI complaint to a state or federal agency.

The Title VI Coordinator acknowledges receipt of Title VI complaint within ten calendar days, reviews it for completeness, and determines jurisdiction. If accepted, a decision to investigate is made within fifteen days, and the complainant and respondent are notified. Efforts to resolve the complaint, including mediation, aim to be completed within 60 days. 

See the Town's Title VI Complaint Process & Procedures for more information.

The Title VI Plan will be updated annually in response to changes in federal laws, rules, and regulations, and include a Title VI Compliance Report documenting progress and goalsetting for the upcoming year.

Visit the Town of Carrboro Title VI Plan Webpage for information on the Town's nondiscrimination obligations and the Title VI complaint process.

For questions about the Town’s Title VI obligations, please contact Bear Tose’ at btose@carrboronc.gov.