The Mediation Center (TMC) is committed to ensuring no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or service that it provides. TMC will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group. This policy establishes a framework for taking reasonable steps to ensure access to all services provided by TMC for all citizens and establishes procedures whereby TMC will receive and investigate allegations of discrimination.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the overarching civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, in any program, service, or activity that receives federal assistance. Specifically, Title VI assures 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 benefit of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal assistance.” Nondiscrimination prohibitions have been further broadened and supplemented by related statutes, regulations, and executive orders.
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education or training program receiving federal financial assistance, with a limited number of defined exceptions;
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), which forbids discrimination on the basis of an individual’s disability by all federal agencies and in all federally funded activities;
- The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, prohibits discrimination in federally supported activities on the basis of age.
TMC is actively engaged in Title VI activities as a recipient of federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
What Does This Mean?
TMC will not restrict an individual in any way from the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service, financial aid, or other benefits under any of its programs, regardless of the funding source for the program. Individuals may not be subjected to criteria or methods of administration that cause adverse impact because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program because of race, color, or national origin.
TMC will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege guaranteed under law or regulations, or because the individual has filed a complaint or has testified, assisted, or participated in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing or has opposed any TMC action or decision.
TMC will take reasonable measures to provide access to TMC services to individuals with limited ability to speak, write, or understand English and/or to those with disabilities.
TMC’s Nondiscrimination Program Plan and Policy may be found here:
TMC Nondiscrimination Policy in English
TMC Nondiscrimination Policy in Spanish
Filing a Complaint
If someone believes they have suffered from discrimination under a TMC program, they may contact the TMC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator to seek an informal resolution. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the following steps will be followed:
- Within 180 days of the alleged discrimination, complainants may submit a written or verbal complaint to the Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator. Complaints must include the complainant’s name, the nature of the complaint, the dates of the complaint, requested action, and contact information.
- The Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator will review the complaint and may solicit additional information from the complainant as needed. If additional information is requested and not received, the case may be closed. The case may also be closed if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case.
- If the complaint is outside the jurisdiction of TMC, the complainant will be notified of the name and contact information for the appropriate agency with jurisdiction, if known.
Complaint Processing
If the complaint is within the jurisdiction of TMC, or informal resolution was not possible, it will be promptly and impartially investigated. TMC’s goal is to address complaints within 60 days of receipt, though the time to carefully investigate complaints may be longer depending on the nature of the complaint and complexity of the issue.
Preliminary Inquiry:
TMC will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine the need for further investigation.
- TMC will notify the complainant in writing that a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine the need for further investigation.
- If the preliminary inquiry by TMC indicates that an investigation is warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing and an interview will be scheduled.
- If the preliminary inquiry indicates an investigation is not warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing of the reasons why and factors considered.
Complaint Investigation:
- Complaints warranting further investigation will be promptly and impartially processed by the TMC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator. The results of the investigation will be provided to the TMC Executive Director for review.
- The complainant will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation and what actions will be/have been taken in response and a timeline to request review.
Access to Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or Disability
TMC will take reasonable steps to ensure access to all people, and that accommodation is available to facilitate the participation of those persons with English language proficiency and/or disability.
TMC arranges at no cost appropriate auxiliary aids and services including qualified interpreters to LEP persons, to disabled persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, and other individuals as necessary to ensure effective communication or an equal opportunity to participate fully in mediations and parenting classes.
For questions, please contact us:
Lee Robbins
TMC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator
The Mediation Center
5105 Paulsen Street
Suite 125D
E-mail: lrobbins@mediationsavannah.com
Phone: 912-354-6686, ext. 1003