Office of Equal Opportunity - Title VI Overview

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is fully committed to ensuring the protection of individuals from discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, age, disability or color in all transportation programs and activities that receive federal assistance, in accordance with federal law under Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act OF 1964, as amended. As a recipient of federal aid SHA, along with its subrecipients and contractors, must prevent both intentional and unintentional discrimination across all programs and activities.

SHA will not, on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability, either directly or through contractual means, do any of these actions:

Deny program services, aids or benefits.
Provide a different service, aid or benefit, or provide them in a manner different from what is provided to others.
Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any service, aid or benefit.
Deny an opportunity to participate as a member of a planning, advisory or similar body that is an integral part of the program.

Each federal financial aid subrecipient, such as a local public agency, local government, or grantee, is required to administer its program and activities without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.

The SHA Title VI Implementation Plan outlines how we make sure our programs comply with Title VI. It informs both the public and our internal staff about the steps we take to review projects and ensure compliance. It also guides our partners on their Title VI responsibilities.

2025 Title VI Program Implementation Plan

SHA complies with the executive orders listed below that fall under the Title VI umbrella:

Executive Order (12898) “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice (EJ) in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations” identifies and addresses the effects of programs and policies on minority and low-income populations. The order also promotes nondiscrimination in federal programs substantially affecting human health and the environment, and provides minority and low-income communities' access to public information and an opportunity for public participation.
Executive Order 13166 “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency” ensures that limited English proficiency (LEP) persons have meaningful access to programs, services and information free of charge.
Executive Order 14096 “Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All” Issued in April 2023. This executive order updates previous environmental justice efforts and requires federal agencies to address health and environmental impacts, especially those related to climate change, and to involve all people in decision-making and other federal activities that affect health and the environment.
Executive Order 14008 “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” also known as the Justice40 Initiative, focuses on climate change and its impacts. It commits the United Sates to work with other countries to find sustainable solutions and make communities more resilient to climate-related challenges. The key part of the order aims to ensure that 40% of the benefits from federal investments in clean energy, climate projects and transportation go to disadvantaged communities, helping those most impacted by climate issues.