Private Causes of Action Under Federal Agency Nondiscrimination Statutes

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Similarly Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs or activities. Although the effect of Title VI has been felt primarily in education, the statutory prohibition applies to any federally funded activity, public or private, including hospitals, social service and welfare agencies, law enforcement agencies, housing, and recreational programs. Both statutes provide for administrative enforcement against prohibited activities. This article explores the question of whether a private cause of action should be implied against a noncomplying recipient of federal financial assistance under Titles VI and IX