As discussed in greater detail Section 8-2.234, Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000b, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin in public facilities. The Special Litigation Section supervises the enforcement of Title III as it relates to public facilities covered by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 1997 to 1997j, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc, and to the conduct of law enforcement agencies in public facilities.

When a United States Attorney’s Office receives a complaint or other information suggesting a potential pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of Title III in public facilities, that office should forward the complaint or other information to the Special Litigation Section as soon as practicable. The Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division retains final authority to determine whether a civil rights investigation should be opened; a complaint should be filed; or, in most instances (see JM 8-2.100 and 28 C.F.R. §§ 0.160 to 0.164), a case should be settled, and on what terms. The Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division may delegate this authority to subordinate Civil Rights Division officials and United States Attorneys, where appropriate. The United States Attorney’s Office and the Special Litigation Section may work together, as appropriate, on these investigations and any resulting litigation. Division of responsibilities is determined on a case-by-case basis.

[updated December 2022]