FMCSA Applicant Title VI Program Compliance

University of Maryland Integrity Statement

The University of Maryland’s (UMD) reputation as a premier research institution depends on its reputation for research integrity. It is in this spirit that we expect all research undertaken at the institution to meet the highest standards for integrity in all areas of research endeavors (e.g., authorship and publication; data management and reporting; export compliance; conflict of interest and conflict of commitment disclosures and transparency; mentorship; use of human subjects or animals; laboratory, biological and radiation safety; Title VI – nondiscrimination in research) as established by the international research community. To that end, we are dedicated to providing our faculty, students, trainees, and staff with the support, education, and resources necessary to ensure a culture of integrity in every aspect of their work.

University of Maryland Policy on Non-Discrimination

Public Notice of Title VI Program Rights (PDF)
The University of Maryland is committed to creating and maintaining an educational, working, and living environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. This Policy prohibits discrimination on grounds protected under Federal and Maryland law and Board of Regents policies. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex1, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability2, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class. Retaliation against any individual who files a complaint or participates in an investigation under this Policy is strictly prohibited. In furtherance of the University’s commitment to equal opportunity, this Policy and associated procedures are established to address and remedy complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on a protected class.

This Policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of “protected classes.” Retaliation against any individual who files a complaint or participates in an investigation under this Policy is strictly prohibited. University programs, activities and facilities are available to all without regard to specific “protected classes” which include: race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected class.

Title VI protects against discrimination in all areas of an institution's operations, except that it only applies to employment practices if the main purpose of the federal funding is to provide employment (e.g., students employed under the work-study program), or if the employment discrimination results in discrimination in providing educational programs or services.

Training Available: Preventing Harassment and Discrimination:  Non-Supervisors with Title IX/Clery Module for Non Supervisors and Preventing Harassment and Discrimination for Supervisors with Title IX/Clery for Supervisors can be found at https://resources.everfi.com/courses/phd/.  In-person training is available upon request and use this form.

This policy applies to students, faculty, staff visitors, trainees, volunteers, applicants, vendors and contractors. Any complaints should be made within 90 business days of the incident.  Report complaints of discrimination and harassment by filing a report or by calling 301-405-1142.

The University of Maryland Division of Research will work with any College Dean and Department Administration offices and Principal Investigator(s) to post and link on appropriate college and department level websites information regarding the FMCSA Title VI Compliance and Implementation Program and other related Nondiscrimination Authorities. As noted above, this website page provides the University of Maryland Public Notice of Title VI Program Rights. (Completion date of posting with appropriate college and department level websites will be provided to the appropriate parties at FMCSA.)

The University of Maryland ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Dennis Paffrath at 301-405-4282.

Specific Plans for targeted information dissemination

• The College, Department, and project Principal Investigator will make available the PowerPoint presentation “FMCSA Basic Title VI Program Training” developed by the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct (OCRSM) to all interested individuals and ensure project personnel receive and review a copy of the PowerPoint. Additionally, the Principal Investigator will communicate any questions relating to the Title VI Program and FMCSA grant to both University of Maryland Division of Research – Title VI Coordinator as well as the FMCSA Office of Civil Rights.
   
• The Public Notice of the Title VI Program Rights Poster will be displayed within the College and Department facilities proposing such FMCSA activity at the University of Maryland where other civil rights notices are posted. The contents of the poster can be found attached to this document. Completion date will be provided to the appropriate parties at FMCSA.
   
• Provide Title VI information as well as the website link to the Public Notice of Title VI Program Rights in any conference materials developed by any UMD principal Investigators for any FMCSA applications and any resultant awards from FMCSA.  This will include information on any developed conference website, program, and will be mentioned in any open conference presentations.