1. Overview
The Port of Brownsville provides this notice to affirm its commitment to full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related nondiscrimination authorities. Under these requirements, no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, income level, or Limited English Proficiency (LEP), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
2. What Title VI Covers
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. The Port of Brownsville also administers its programs, services, and activities consistent with applicable nondiscrimination requirements, including obligations related to disability access and Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
3. Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with federal requirements, the Port of Brownsville commits to administer its programs, services, and program activities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, including income-level and individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP).
The Port will take reasonable steps to provide access to its services for people with disabilities and those with Limited English Proficiency.
4. Filing a Discrimination Complaint
Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination may file a complaint. Complaints must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged occurrence (or when the alleged discrimination became known to the complainant).
Complaint Requirements
To be accepted, a complaint must be submitted in writing (or electronically), be submitted on the Title VI and ADA Discrimination Complaint Form, and be signed by the complainant (or legal designee with written permission).
The complaint should include:
- Complainant name and address
- Date(s) of the alleged discrimination
- A detailed description of what happened and the basis of the complaint
- Names/contact info for the accused party (if known) and any witnesses
Submit a Complaint To
Yessenia Gonzalez
Director of Human Resources, Port of Brownsville
1000 Foust Road, Brownsville, Texas
Phone: (956) 831-4592
Email: ygonzalez@portofbrownsville.com
Download Title VI & ADA Complaint Form
5. Other Options, Accessibility, and Confidentiality
Any person who believes they have been subjected to discrimination may file a complaint. Complaints must be filed within 180 calendar days of the alleged occurrence (or when the alleged discrimination became known to the complainant).
External Filing Option
A complainant may also file directly with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD):
- Email: civilrights.marad@dot.gov
- Mail: United States Maritime Administration, Office of Civil Rights, West Building, 2nd Floor (MAR-130), 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590
Accessibility & Language Assistance
The Port’s Title VI policy is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. The complaint form also includes a field for accessible format needs (e.g., large print, audio, TDD).
Confidentiality
Complaint records are retained on a strictly confidential basis, except where disclosure is required by law.