The Federal Coordination and Compliance Section coordinates federal efforts to implement and enforce various laws prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal financial assistance. Among these laws are Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-7, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 to 1688, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. In addition, many program-specific statutes (such as the Safe Streets Act, 34 U.S.C. § 10228(c)) include their own non-discrimination provisions that apply to recipients of federal financial assistance. Each of these statutes has implementing regulations that help define statutory obligations and rights and set forth enforcement procedures. The regulations authorize the administrative agencies to enforce the statutes in several ways, including by referrals to the Civil Rights Division.

The Federal Coordination and Compliance Section investigates complaints alleging that recipients of federal financial assistance from the Department of Justice engaged in discrimination, primarily on the basis of race, color, national origin, and sex, in violation of Title VI or Title IX. These investigations are undertaken pursuant to Memoranda of Understanding and other agreements with Department of Justice funding components, such as the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section of the Criminal Division (MNF) and the Office of Justice Programs. Department of Justice funding recipients include state and local law enforcement agencies, state departments of corrections, and courts. In carrying out this responsibility, the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section works closely with the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation and Criminal Sections, as well as the Office of Justice Programs.

United States Attorney’s Offices do not have independent authority to enforce Titles VI and IX, but can and have partnered with the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section, other Civil Rights Division Sections, and other agencies on investigations and resolutions, which are often achieved through voluntary compliance on the part of the recipient. Any United States Attorney’s Offices that receives Title VI or Title IX allegations should contact the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section as soon as practicable to discuss the most effective way to proceed.

NOTE: Title VI and Title IX do not apply to the programs and activities of federal agencies. The Department of Justice will move to dismiss any lawsuits against the federal government for alleged violations of these statutes.

[updated January 2026]