Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
By Greg Bell, Policy & Outreach
Here in Seattle, we recognize the City's responsibility to the community we serve and we
are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination to help enhance the social and economic quality of
life for all Seattle citizens.
One of the most powerful tools available to prevent illegal discrimination
is Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
color or national origin in projects or programs receiving federally funded assistance.
Specifically, Title VI 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." (42 U.S.C. Section 2000d).
The Environmental Justice component of Title VI guarantees fair treatment for all people
and provides for the City to identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse effects
of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations, such as
undertaking reasonable steps to ensure that Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons have
meaningful access to the programs, services, and information the City provides.
Under Title VI, the term "federal financial assistance," can be broad. The courts
have held that receipt of FEMA funds, local police's utilizing an FBI practice facility, and
the receipt of Department of Transportation funds are examples of federal financial assistance.
This breadth means that almost any state or local governmental entity has a requirement to comply with Title VI.
If someone you know or work with within the boundaries of Seattle feels that they
have been discriminated against in governmental programs, projects or facilities, based on their
Title VI protected class status, encourage them to call our office within 180 days of the alleged incident.
We are the only City office charged to handle Title VI complaints and we will work with all parties
to ensure that illegal discrimination remains unacceptable in Seattle.
Staff Profiles
 Chenelle Love
What is your position at SOCR?
Civil Rights Analyst
What do you love most about working at SOCR?
I love the work we do. It's interesting, challenging and there's rarely a dull moment.
The learning experiences this job provides are never ending. I also love working with such a
diverse group of people. I'm truly thankful to be surrounded by such amazing people every day.
I've learned so much from not only the work itself, but my coworkers and the people we serve.
What are your hobbies or passions outside of work// or who inspires you and why?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, volunteer work and travel.
 Karina Bull
What is your position here at SOCR?
I am a Civil Rights Investigator. Currently, I am working in the Intake Office.
What do you love most about working at SOCR?
I'm passionate about our work and there is a collective energy in the office that makes for a supportive, as well as fun environment. Plus, the work is challenging and I am always learning something new - about myself, the law and the community.
What are your hobbies or passions outside of work or who inspires you and why?
My biggest hobby is traipsing after my 2 year old daughter, Odessa, and preparing for the arrival of her sister, who is due at the end of November. In spare moments, I also enjoy outside activities, gardening, knitting, and attempting to play the guitar.
Kudos Corner
Our Civil Rights Analysts work tirelessly on investigating charges of discrimination. We received the following letter of thanks for the work carried out by Civil Rights Analyst Nolan Lim.
Dear Nolan,
Thank you for all the time and effort you put forth to assist me and my son with my case. I very much appreciated your responsiveness, competence, and how skillfully you negotiated my settlement.
My goals were met, and I am pleased with the settlement and believe it will help make positive changes here.
Again, thank you for such fine service. The Seattle Office for Civil Rights is a real asset to the citizens of Seattle.
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