Comment on FTA's Proposed Equal Employment Opportunity Circular

FTA has drafted a proposed update to Circular 4704.1, “Equal Employment Opportunity Program Guidelines for Grant Recipients,” (PDF, 36 pages) to clarify what recipients must do to comply with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA), 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53 (the Federal Transit law), other Federal civil rights statutes, and the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations in 49 CFR Part 21.

The EEO Circular, last revised in 1988, requires changes to bring EEO-related guidance up to date. The final circular, when adopted, will supersede the existing circular.

Included in Circular:

• Chapter 1 explains the statutory and regulatory authority for the EEO program requirements, executive orders, and regulations that establish the context for ensuring nondiscrimination in employment on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or age. This chapter also explains the applicability of this Circular to FTA grantees, discusses state-administered programs, and provides definitions of terms used throughout the Circular.

• Chapter 2 explains the seven required elements of an EEOP and explains what should be included in EEOP materials for FTA review.

• Chapter 3 explains how FTA carries out its oversight and enforcement responsibilities related to EEO.

FTA invites public comment on the proposed circular.

Comments must be submitted by May 2, 2016. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable.

This document is also available in accessible formats upon request. To obtain paper copies of this Circular as well as information regarding these accessible formats, call FTA’s Administrative Services Help Desk at 202-366-4865. Individuals with hearing impairments may contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for assistance with the call.