Home / Program Offices / FHEO Home / Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

No person should be discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from HUD.

What Is Title VI?

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

Title VI applies to programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance from HUD.

Definition of Federal Financial Assistance

  • Grants, loans, and advances of federal funds
  • The grant or donation of federal property and interests in property
  • The detail of federal personnel
  • Use or rental of federal land or property at below market value
  • Any federal agreement, arrangement, or other contract that includes as one of its purposes, the provision of assistance (for example, training conducted by federal personnel).

Federal financial assistance does not include a contract of insurance or guaranty.

Title VI applies to all HUD housing programs except for its mortgage insurance and loan guarantee programs.

Discriminatory Actions Prohibited by Title VI

Title VI prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance, either directly or through subcontracts, from, on the ground of race, color, or national origin:

  • Denying housing, accommodations, facilities, services, financial aid, or other benefits or providing these in a way that is different than how it is provided to others
  • Subjecting a person to segregation or separate treatment related to the receipt of housing, accommodations, facilities, services, financial aid, or other benefits
  • Restricting access to or enjoyment of housing, accommodations, facilities, services, financial aid, or other benefits
  • Treating a person differently from others in determining whether he or she satisfies any occupancy, admission, enrollment, eligibility, membership, or other requirements or conditions
  • Denying a person an opportunity to participate in a program or activity
  • Denying a person the opportunity to be a member of a planning or advisory body
  • Utilizing criteria or other methods, or determining the site or location of housing, accommodations, or facilities in a way that has the effect of discriminating or impairing the purpose of the program

Filing a Complaint

If you believe you have experienced discrimination prohibited by Title VI, you mayfile a complaintwith HUD.

Additional Resources


Back to FHEO Home