Nondiscrimination

Policy statement

The Denver Regional Council of Governments ("DRCOG") adheres to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a nondiscrimination law which provides that no person shall, on the grounds 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. Further, DRCOG adheres to other federal nondiscrimination statutes that afford legal protection; specifically: Section 162(a) of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1973 (23 USC 324) (gender); Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (age); and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973/Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (disability). DRCOG is committed to ensuring that no person or persons shall, on any statutorily prescribed basis, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity administered by DRCOG. 

Public accommodation and accessibility

DRCOG promotes full accommodation and access to its meetings by publishing the following statement on its meeting agendas: “Attendees can request additional aids or services, such as interpretation or assistive listening devices, by calling 303-480-6701 or emailing the organizer of the meeting. Please notify DRCOG at least 48 hours in advance so we can coordinate your request.”

Additionally, in the summer of 2021, DRCOG developed the following document accommodation statement that will be included on documents as appropriate: “To receive these documents in accessible formats, such as in languages other than English, please call 303-455-1000 or email drcog@drcog.org so DRCOG can coordinate your request.”

Nondiscrimination requirements

DRCOG pledges to adhere to federal nondiscrimination statues so that no person or persons shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.
 
Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act states that "no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination under any program or activity that is a recipient of federal financial assistance." Title VI regulations apply to all organizations (government or not-for-profit) that receive federal funds.

As a recipient of federal assistance, DRCOG is subject to Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, as amended, and must ensure that no one is discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act, which became law in 1990, is the first comprehensive civil rights law passed by U.S. Congress prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including but not limited to: employment, government service, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.

The legislation guides DRCOG's and its member agencies' efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not denied access to, excluded from participation in, denied benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of DRCOG.

Executive Order 12898: Environmental Justice
A 1994 Presidential Executive Order directed every Federal agency to make Environmental Justice (EJ) a part of its mission by identifying and addressing the effects of all programs, policies, and activities on "minority populations and low-income populations." DRCOG's EJ initiatives will strive to accomplish this by involving the potentially affected public through public involvement.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) defines three fundamental EJ principles:

  • To avoid, minimize, or mitigate disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects, including social and economic effects, on minority populations and low-income populations.
  • To ensure the full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision making process.
  • To prevent the denial of, reduction in, or significant delay in the receipt of benefits by minority and low-income populations.

Executive Order 13166: Limited English Proficiency Plan
A 2000 Presidential Executive Order requires any agency receiving federal funding to examine the services it provides, identify any need for services to those with limited English proficiency, and develop and implement a system by which Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons can meaningfully access those services without unduly burdening the fundamental mission of the agency.

According to the guiding policy, there are four factors to consider in determining “reasonable steps.” These four factors, as they apply to DRCOG, include:

  • Factor 1: The number or proportion of LEP Persons served or encountered in the eligible service population.
  • Factor 2: The frequency with which LEP Individuals may come in contact with DRCOG programs, activities, or services
  • Factor 3: The nature and importance of the program, activity, or service provided by DRCOG.
  • Factor 4: The resources available and overall cost to DRCOG. 

Complaint procedures and forms

Any individual that believes that they have been subjected to discrimination or retaliation, by any of DRCOG's programs, services, or activities, as prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and related statutes may file a written complaint. All written complaints received by DRCOG shall be reviewed immediately. View the links below to access the procedures and forms.

Notice of rights: Your rights against discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability. Anyone who believes they have been excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any DRCOG program or activity because of their race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability may file a discrimination complaint.

To file a complaint, contact:
Denver Regional Council of Governments
Title VI Coordinator
1001 17th St., Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
303‐455‐1000