Community Mediation Center and Title VI
CMC is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Please take note that court interpreters are not provided for free outside of specific legal hearings, and does not include free interpreters for mediation sessions. CMC works with volunteer interpreters and translators to provide these services whenever it is possible, regardless of race, color, or national origin.
What is Title VI?
Title VI is a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requiring 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 be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Note that Title VI does not address gender discrimination. It only covers race, color, and national origin. Other Civil Rights laws prohibit gender discrimination.
Who are Limited English Proficient Persons?
Persons who do not speak English as their primary language and who have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English can be limited English proficient, or “LEP.” These individuals may be entitled to language assistance with respect to a particular type of service, benefit, or encounter. Different treatment based on a person’s inability to speak, read, write, or understand English may be a type of national origin discrimination.
What if I have a Complaint?
If you believe that you have received discriminatory treatment by CMC on the basis of your race, color or national origin, you have the right to file a complaint with the CMC Title VI Coordinator. The complaint must be filed no later than 30 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory incident.
Fill out the Title VI Complaint form and send it to:
Title VI Coordinator
Community Mediation Center Title VI Coordinator
912 South Gay Street, Suite L-300
Knoxville, TN 37902
Investigations
Within 10 working days of receipt of the formal complaint, the Title VI Coordinator will notify the complainant and begin an investigation. The investigation may include discussion(s) of the complaint with all affected parties to determine the problem. The complainant may be represented by an attorney or another representative of his/her own choosing and may bring witnesses and present testimony and evidence in the course of the investigation. The investigation will be conducted and completed within 60 days of the receipt of the formal complaint. Based upon all the information received, an investigation report will be written by the Title VI Coordinator for submittal to the Executive Director.
The complainant will receive a letter stating a final decision by the end of the 60-day time limit.