§ 5332. Nondiscrimination

• (a) In this section, “person” includes a governmental authority, political subdivision, authority, legal representative, trust, unincorporated organization, trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, and receiver.
• (b) A person may not be excluded from participating in, denied a benefit of, or discriminated against under, a project, program, or activity receiving financial assistance under this chapter because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age.
• (c)
  • (1) The Secretary shall take affirmative action to ensure compliance with subsection (b) of this section.
  • (2) When the Secretary decides that a person receiving financial assistance under this chapter is not complying with subsection (b) of this section, a civil rights law of the United States, or a regulation or order under that law, the Secretary shall notify the person of the decision and require action be taken to ensure compliance with subsection (b).
• (d) If a person does not comply with subsection (b) of this section within a reasonable time after receiving notice, the Secretary shall—
  • (1) direct that no further financial assistance of the United States Government under this chapter be provided to the person;
  • (2) refer the matter to the Attorney General with a recommendation that a civil action be brought;
  • (3) proceed under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.); or
  • (4) take any other action provided by law.
• (e) The Attorney General may bring a civil action for appropriate relief when—
  • (1) a matter is referred to the Attorney General under subsection (d)(2) of this section; or
  • (2) the Attorney General believes a person is engaged in a pattern or practice in violation of this section.
• (f) This section applies to an employment or business opportunity and is in addition to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.).