Frequently Asked Questions

An example would be the failure of a funded correctional facility to provide interpreter services to hearing-impaired inmates. Another example would be a funded police department's practice of stopping and interrogating, without cause, all Hispanic males driving on a particular highway.

An example would be a policy that prefers males over females in recruiting entry-level patrol officers.

Unfortunately, OCR is unable to assist you in finding legal representation. However, the Legal Services Corporation, a federally funded program to assist low-income people, is often a valuable resource. The Legal Services Corporation website includes information on how to contact a legal aid office near you.

No. OCR attorneys do not represent individual complainants nor give individual legal advice.

This Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 3789d (Safe Streets Act), prohibits recipients who receive federal funding under this statute from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or sex.

This Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d, et seq. (Title VI), prohibits recipients of financial assistance from the Justice Department of discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the delivery of services or benefits. Under certain circumstances, when a primary purpose of a funded program or activity is employment, Title VI may apply also to employment discrimination claims. The Justice Department has also interpreted national origin discrimination to require funding recipients to provide people with limited English proficiency access to their programs or activities.

Section 504, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794 (Section 504), prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, in regard to both employment and the delivery of services or benefits, in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Title II of the Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12132 (Title II), prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment and the delivery of services or benefits in public entities. Title II applies to all state and local governments.

This Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C. § 6102 (Age Act), prohibits age discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. OCR enforces this Act related to services discrimination based on age. For more, see Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

OCR will accept third-party discrimination complaints on behalf of individuals who are either unable or reluctant to file a claim. However, the absence of a signed Identity Release Statement from the aggrieved party may severely limit the investigation.