Equity and Civil Rights

The Mid-America Regional Council assures that no person is excluded from participation in, is denied the benefit of, or is subjected to discrimination in our programs and activities based on race, color, or national origin. Every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of MARC's programs and activities, whether those programs and activities are federally funded or not. 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal nondiscrimination statutes prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, gender, or income status in the provisions of benefits and services of programs and activities receiving federal funding. One of the key purposes of Title VI is to ensure that public funds are not spent in a way that encourages, subsidizes or results in discrimination.  

MARC’s Title VI Program outlines how it will ensure its work is in compliance with Title VI regulations.

Referral to review officer

MARC’s executive director will appoint one or more staff to investigate the complaint. The staff reviewer will make a recommendation about the merit of the complaint and, if necessary, how to address it. If MARC’s executive director agrees with the finding, they will issue the MPO's written response to the complainant.

Request for reconsideration

If the complainant disagrees with MARC’s response, they may request reconsideration by submitting the request in writing to MARC’s executive director. 

Appeal

If the request for reconsideration is denied, the complainant may submit a written appeal to the Board of Directors.

Submission of complaint to state departments of transportation

If the complainant is dissatisfied with MARC’s resolution, they may also submit a written complaint within 180 days after the alleged date of discrimination to the Missouri Department of Transportation or Kansas Department of Transportation for investigation.