Section 70. Civil rights and equal opportunity requirements

A. All aspects of the relocation assistance program of VDOT shall be conducted without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age or sex. VDOT, through its field representatives, should advise all claimants of this policy of nondiscrimination. Displacees who feel that they have been discriminated against because of any of the factors listed shall be advised to write the district right of way and utilities manager (district manager) and explain their situation.

B. Replacement housing listings referred to persons displaced shall be available without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age or sex. Each right of way and utilities office (referred to in this regulation as a district office) shall make parties providing listings aware of this requirement. If any instance of discrimination against displacees by listing agencies or other parties providing listings is reported, the district shall attempt to ascertain the facts of the case. If the charges of discrimination are valid, the listing agency shall be so notified and the listing will no longer be used.

C. Independent contractors employed by the displacee for the purpose of moving the personal property, or to perform any other services related to the relocation, will be expected to observe nondiscrimination statutes and policies. If any incidence of discrimination is observed or reported, the contractor involved shall be asked to explain actions taken involving the particular displacee. Appropriate further action will be taken as required by relevant laws and policies.

D. Availability of financing and access to social services, which may be required by the displacee, shall be on a nondiscriminatory basis.

E. Relocation activities will comply with the applicable federal laws and implementing regulations listed in 54 FR 8932, § 24.8.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 03, eff. November 21, 2001.

Statutory Authority

§ 25.1-402 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 4601 et seq.