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External Civil Rights

A diverse group of men and women working on the US-31 bascule bridge in Grand Haven.
Department of Transportation

External Civil Rights

MDOT's Office of Business Development (OBD) manages external civil rights programs, such as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, the On-the-Job Training Program, and the Small Business Program. OBD also ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, equal opportunity requirements for contractors, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. MDOT is committed to supporting its contractors, consultants and sub-recipients in achieving full compliance with these laws and requirements.

Programs

A small business owner speaks with Wayne County Airport Authority at the MDOT Small Business Conference.

Small Business Program (SBP)

MDOT has developed a race- and gender-neutral Small Business Program to ensure that small businesses, including DBE-certified businesses, have opportunities to participate on MDOT projects. 

Staff work with a woman construction business owner.

On-the-Job (OJT) Program

The On-the-Job-Training (OJT) Program offers equal opportunity for the training and upgrading of minorities, women, and disadvantaged persons toward journey-level status in the highway construction trades. This effort will broaden the labor pool with skilled individuals. 

Diverse collage of MDOT employees.

Title VI

MDOT must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. The department's nondiscrimination policy includes protected classes to ensure that no person is subjected to discrimination in our services, programs, or activities.

A man sitting in a wheelchair waiting to cross the road.

External ADA - Section 504

MDOT, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, must ensure its services, facilities, and public rights-of-way are readily accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities as possible. 

A diverse group of multicultural people putting their hands together in a huddle.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for Contractors

Contractors and vendors who work on federally assisted projects are required to establish and carry out policies to assure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, age, or disability.