[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 208 (Thursday, October 26, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64194-64201]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-27306]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

45 CFR Parts 80, 84, 86, 90, and 91

RIN 0991-AB10


Office for Civil Rights; Amending the Regulations Governing 
Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, 
Handicap, Sex, and Age to Conform to the Civil Rights Restoration Act 
of 1987

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes to amend the Department of Health and 
Human Services regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of 
the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Age Discrimination Act of 
1975 to conform with certain statutory amendments made by the Civil 
Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (CRRA). The principal proposed 
conforming change is to amend the regulations to add definitions of 
``program or activity'' or ``program'' that correspond to the statutory 
definitions enacted under the CRRA.

DATES: Comments will be considered if we receive them at the 
appropriate address, as provided below, no later than 5 p.m. on 
November 27, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Mail written comments or deliver them to the following 
address: Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human 
Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 509-F, Washington, DC 
20201.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn A. Ellis, (202) 619-0403; 
Kathleen O'Brien, (202) 619-2829; TDD 1-800-537-7697.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Health and Human Services 
(Department or HHS) proposes to amend its civil rights regulations to 
conform to certain provisions of the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 
1987 (Pub. L. 100-259) (CRRA), regarding the scope of coverage under 
civil rights statutes administered by the Department. These statutes 
include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
2000d, et seq. (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 
1972, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1681, et seq. (Title IX), Section 504 of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794 (Section 
504), and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
6101, et seq. (Age Discrimination Act). Title VI prohibits 
discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in all 
programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance; Title 
IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs 
or activities that receive Federal financial assistance; section 504 
prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all programs or 
activities that receive Federal financial assistance; and the Age 
Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in all 
programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance.
    The principal proposed conforming change is to amend each of these 
regulations to add a definition of ``program or activity'' or 
``program'' that adopts the statutory definition of ``program or 
activity'' or ``program'' enacted as part of the CRRA. We believe that 
adding this statutory definition to the regulatory language is the best 
way to avoid confusion on the part of recipients, beneficiaries, and 
other interested parties about the scope of civil rights coverage.
    The Department's civil rights regulations, when originally issued 
and implemented, were interpreted by the Department to mean that 
acceptance of Federal assistance by an entity resulted in broad 
institutional coverage. In Grove City College v. Bell, 465 U.S. 555, 
571-72 (1984) (Grove City College), the Supreme Court held, in a Title 
IX case, that the provision of Federal student financial assistance to 
a college resulted in Federal jurisdiction to ensure Title IX 
compliance in the specific program receiving the assistance, i.e., the 
student financial aid office, but that the Federal student financial 
assistance would not provide jurisdiction over the entire institution. 
Following the Supreme Court's decision in Grove City College, the 
Department changed its interpretation, but not the language, of the 
governing regulations to be consistent with the Court's restrictive, 
``program specific'' definition of ``program or activity'' or 
``program''. Since Title IX was patterned after Title VI, Grove City 
College significantly narrowed the coverage of Title VI and two other 
statutes based on it: The Age Discrimination Act and Section 504. See 
S. Rep. No. 100-64, at 2-3, 11-16 (1987).
    Then, in 1988, the CRRA was enacted to ``restore the prior 
consistent and long-standing executive branch interpretation and broad, 
institution-wide application of those laws as previously 
administered.'' 20 U.S.C. 1687 note 1. Congress enacted the CRRA in 
order to remedy what it perceived to be a serious narrowing by the 
Supreme Court of a longstanding administrative interpretation of the 
coverage of the regulations. At that time, the Department reinstated 
its broad interpretation to be consistent with the CRRA, again without 
changing the language of the regulations. It was and remains the 
Department's consistent interpretation that--with regard to the 
differences between the interpretation of the regulations given by the 
Supreme Court in Grove City College and the language of the CRRA--the 
CRRA, which took effect upon enactment, superseded the Grove City 
College decision and, therefore, the regulations must be read in 
conformity with the CRRA in all their applications.
    This interpretation reflects the understanding of Congress, as 
expressed in the legislative history of the CRRA, that the statutory 
definition of ``program or activity'' or ``program'' would take effect 
immediately, by its own force, without the need for Federal agencies to 
amend their existing regulations. S. Rep. No. 100-64, at 32. The 
legislative history also evidences congressional concern about the 
Department's immediate need to address complaints and findings of 
discrimination in federally assisted schools under the CRRA definition 
of ``program or activity'', and includes examples demonstrating why the 
CRRA was ``urgently'' needed. See S. Rep. No. 100-64, at 11-16.
    The proposed regulatory change described in the previous paragraph 
would address an issue recently raised by the Third Circuit Court of 
Appeals in Cureton v. NCAA, 198 F.3d 107, 115-16 (1999) (Cureton). That 
court determined that, because the Department did not amend its Title 
VI regulation after the enactment of the CRRA, application of the 
Department's Title VI regulation to disparate impact discrimination 
claims is ``program specific'' (i.e., limited to specific programs in 
an institution affected by the Federal funds), rather than institution-
wide (i.e., applicable to all of the operations of the institution 
regardless of the use of the Federal funds). In the court's view, the 
regulations should clarify the application of the broad institutional 
coverage to disparate impact claims, because the disparate impact 
analysis appears in regulation, and not in a statute. We disagree with 
the Cureton decision for the reasons described in

[[Page 64195]]

this preamble. Nevertheless, the proposed regulatory changes would 
explicitly incorporate definitions of ``program or activity'' or 
``program'' that correspond to those enacted under the CRRA and thereby 
remove any doubt that the regulations apply institution-wide to both 
disparate impact discrimination and disparate treatment discrimination. 
(``Disparate treatment'' refers to policies or practices that treat 
individuals differently based on their race, color, national origin, 
sex, disability, or age, as applicable. Disparate treatment is 
generally barred by the civil rights statutes and regulations. 
``Disparate impact'' refers to criteria or methods of administration 
that have a significant disparate effect on individuals based on race, 
color, national origin, sex, disability, or age, as applicable. Those 
criteria or practices may constitute impermissible discrimination based 
on legal standards that include consideration of their necessity.)
    The statutory definition, which is being incorporated into the 
regulations, addresses four broad categories of recipients: (1) State 
or local governmental entities; (2) Colleges, universities, other 
postsecondary educational institutions, public systems of higher 
education, local educational agencies, systems of vocational education, 
and other school systems; (3) Private entities, such as corporations, 
partnerships, and sole proprietorships, including those whose principal 
business is providing education, health care, housing, social services, 
or parks and recreation; and (4) Entities that are established by a 
combination of two or more of the first three types of entities.
    Under the first part of the definition, if State and local 
governmental entities receive financial assistance from the Department, 
the ``program or activity'' or ``program'' in which discrimination is 
prohibited includes all of the operations of any State or local 
department or agency to which the Federal assistance is extended. For 
example, if the Department provides financial assistance to a State 
health agency, all of the agency's operations are subject to the 
nondiscrimination requirements of the regulations. In addition, 
``program or activity'' or ``program'' includes all of the operations 
of the entity of a State or local government that distributes the 
Federal assistance to another State or local governmental agency or 
department and all of the operations of the State or local governmental 
entity to which the financial assistance is extended.
    Under the second part of the definition of ``program or activity'' 
or ``program'', if colleges, universities, other postsecondary 
institutions, public systems of higher education, local educational 
agencies, systems of vocational education, or other school systems 
receive financial assistance from the Department, all of their 
operations are subject to the nondiscrimination requirements of the 
regulations. For example, if a college or university receives Federal 
financial assistance from the Department to support medical research, 
all of the operations of the college or university are covered, not 
solely the operations of the component performing the medical research.
    Under the third part of the definition, in the case of private 
entities not already listed under the second part of the definition, if 
the Federally assisted entity or organization is principally engaged in 
the business of education, health care, housing, social services, or 
parks and recreation, then the entire corporation, partnership, or 
other private organization or sole proprietorship is the covered 
``program or activity'' or ``program''. For example, if a private 
hospital receives financial assistance from the Department, it will be 
covered on an institution-wide basis under this portion of the 
definition of ``program or activity'' or ``program'' because it is an 
entity principally engaged in the business of providing health care. 
All of its operations are covered by the nondiscrimination requirements 
of the regulations.
    Also under the third part of the definition, if a private entity is 
not principally engaged in the business of education, health care, 
housing, social services, or parks and recreation, and the Department 
extends financial assistance to the private entity ``as a whole'', all 
of the private entity's operations at all of its locations would be 
covered. If the Department were to extend general assistance, that is, 
assistance that is not designated for a particular purpose, to this 
type of corporation or other private entity, that would be considered 
financial assistance to the private entity ``as a whole''. In other 
instances in which the Department extends financial assistance to this 
type of entity, the coverage would be limited to the entire plant or 
other comparable geographically separate facility to which assistance 
is extended.
    Under the fourth part of the definition, if an entity of a type not 
already covered by one of the first three parts of the definition is 
established by two or more of the entities listed under the first three 
parts of the definition, then all of the operations of that new entity 
are covered.
    The proposed regulations also would modify or delete some existing 
sections of the Department regulations that have become superfluous 
following the CRRA enactment, to conform with the CRRA definitions of 
``program or activity'' or ``program.'' This is consistent with the 
approach taken by other Federal agencies in the Title IX common rule 
NPRM, for example, in which it was noted that regulatory language in 
the Department of Education's Title IX regulations made superfluous by 
the enactment of the CRRA was omitted in that proposed rule (64 FR 
58568, 58571). The Title IX, Title VI, and section 504 regulations of 
the Department of Education and HHS are substantially similar because 
both were derived from the original Department of Health, Education and 
Welfare regulation.
    The Department's Title IX regulations, promulgated in 1975, defined 
``recipient'' as an entity ``to whom Federal financial assistance is 
extended directly or through another recipient and which operates an 
education program or activity which receives or benefits from such 
assistance.'' 45 CFR 86.2(h). At that time, the words ``or benefits 
from'' were necessary to clarify that all of the operations of a 
university or other educational institution that receives Federal 
financial assistance--not just the particular programs receiving 
financial assistance--are covered by Title IX's nondiscrimination 
requirements. As previously discussed, this interpretation was rejected 
by the Supreme Court in 1984 in Grove City College, which held that 
Federal student financial aid established Title IX jurisdiction only 
over the financial aid program, not the entire institution. However, 
Congress' 1988 enactment of the CRRA counteracted this decision by 
defining ``program or activity'' and ``program'' to provide expressly 
that Title IX covers all educational programs of a recipient 
institution. Because of this statutory change, the words ``or benefits 
from'' are no longer necessary as a regulatory matter. For that reason, 
we propose to delete the words ``or benefits from'' and similar phrases 
from the Title IX regulation. We also propose to delete similar 
language from the Department's Section 504 and Age Discrimination Act 
regulations. These deletions do not affect the reach of Title IX, 
Section 504, or the Age Discrimination Act.
    The existing Title VI regulation of the Department of Health and 
Human Services, promulgated in 1964 by the Department of Health, 
Education, and Welfare in 29 FR 16298 and 29 FR

[[Page 64196]]

16988 and in 1965 in 30 FR 16988, include an assurance requirement for 
institutions in Sec. 80.4(d)(2) that has created confusion with regard 
to the scope of ``program or activity'' and ``program'' under Title VI. 
One example is the previously referenced decision in Cureton. The 
current provision states, in part: The assurance ``* * * shall be 
applicable to the entire institution unless the applicant establishes, 
to the satisfaction of the responsible Department official, that the 
institution's practices in designated parts or programs of the 
institution will in no way affect its practices in the program of the 
institution for which Federal financial assistance is sought * * *''. 
45 CFR 80.4(d)(2). This NPRM proposes to delete that portion of the 
assurance to avoid any further confusion. As previously stated, it was 
appropriate to apply the CRRA statutory definition of ``program or 
activity'' to the regulations. For the same reasons, portions of the 
illustrations in Sec. 80.5(c) and (e) would be deleted, since they 
could create similar confusion. Specifically, current Sec. 80.5(c) 
states that, with regard to prohibited discrimination in university 
graduate research, training, demonstration, or other grants, ``the 
prohibition extends to the entire university unless it satisfies the 
responsible Department official that practices with respect to other 
parts or programs of the university will not interfere, directly or 
indirectly, with fulfillment of the assurance required with respect to 
the graduate school.'' Similarly, current Sec. 80.5(e) states: ``In 
other construction grants the assurances required will be adapted to 
the nature of the activities to be conducted in the facilities for 
construction of which the grants have been authorized by Congress.'' 
These proposed deletions would not affect the reach of Title VI.
    In addition, we are proposing conforming changes that delete 
references to ``program'' or ``program or activity'' in the existing 
regulations that refer to Federal Financial assistance or to specific 
activities of the recipient, or that conform the meaning to the broad 
definition in the CRRA and eliminate potential confusion in the use of 
these terms, and continue the longstanding Department interpretation of 
the statutes and regulations. These changes will ensure that there is 
no confusion as to the use of these terms in the regulations. For 
example, in the Title VI regulation Sec. 80.2 refers to ``Federal 
assisted programs and activities listed in Appendix A to this part.'' 
Appendix A is a list of Federal financial assistance triggering 
coverage under the civil rights laws. ``Federal assisted programs and 
activities'' as used in Sec. 80.2 clearly refers to Federal programs of 
assistance. We propose to delete ``assisted programs and activities'' 
in this subsection and substitute ``financial assistance.'' We are 
proposing comparable conforming changes in our Title VI, Section 504, 
Title IX and Age Discrimination Act regulations, including both the 
government-wide coordinating Age Discrimination Act regulation and the 
HHS-specific Age Discrimination Act regulation. For example, in some 
instances, we have proposed to delete ``program'' or ``program or 
activity'' and substitute ``Federal financial assistance,'' or ``aids, 
benefits or services.'' These substitutions are not intended to change 
the scope or substance of the regulations. They are intended only to 
remove any confusion that might result from the adoption of the 
proposed definitions of ``program or activity'' or ``program''. In 
other instances, we have proposed to change ``programs and activities'' 
to ``programs or activities'' to conform the regulation to the phrase 
used in the CRRA--when it is used in the broad manner defined in the 
CRRA. We have not proposed to modify the term ``activity'' when it 
appears separately from the phrase ``program or activity'' and is used 
in a manner unrelated to the CRRA phrase ``program or activity.'' These 
proposed changes are not intended to change the scope or substance of 
the regulations, but to remove any confusion that might result from the 
proposed definitions.
    It is important to note that the proposed changes would not in any 
way alter the requirement of the CRRA that a proposed or effectuated 
fund termination be limited to the particular program or programs ``or 
part thereof'' that discriminates or, as appropriate, to all of the 
programs that are infected by the discriminatory practices. See S. Rep. 
No. 100-64, at 20 (``The [CRRA] defines `program' in the same manner as 
`program or activity,' and leaves intact the `or part thereof' 
pinpointing language.'').
    We propose to replace the current definition of ``program'' in the 
Title VI regulation in 45 CFR 80.13 with the proposed definition of 
``program or activity'' and ``program''. We propose to add the 
definition of ``program or activity'' and ``program'' to the Title IX 
regulation in 45 CFR 86.2. We propose to add the definition of 
``program or activity'' to the Section 504 regulation in 45 CFR 84.3, 
the government-wide Age Discrimination Act regulation in 45 CFR 90.4, 
and the HHS-specific Age Discrimination Act regulation in 45 CFR 91.4. 
Because, as previously explained, the proposed changes merely 
incorporate statutory language and do not alter the Department's 
consistent position that the regulations must be read in conformity 
with the CRRA, the Department views these changes as technical in 
nature. However, the Department is inviting public comment on the 
proposed changes, consistent with its policy of involving interested 
members of the public in its rulemaking process. Conforming changes to 
the nonregulatory guidance in Appendix B of part 80 and Appendix A of 
part 84 will be published in the Federal Register in a separate notice. 
Nothing in these proposed changes affects coverage under the Federal 
employment nondiscrimination statutes, including Title VII of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

Collection of Information Requirements

    This proposed rule does not contain any information collection 
requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Regulatory Impact Analysis

    We have examined the impacts of this proposed rule as required by 
Executive Order 12866, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, and 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Executive Order 12866 directs agencies 
to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives 
and, when regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that 
maximize net benefits, including potential economic, environmental, 
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity. A 
regulatory impact analysis (RIA) must be prepared for major rules with 
economically significant effects of $100 million or more annually. We 
have determined that there probably will be no cost impacts because 
this regulatory action implements statutory amendments and longstanding 
Department policy. Recently the Third Circuit Court of Appeals 
interpreted existing regulations inconsistently with the language of 
the CRRA and our existing practices. The Department disagrees with that 
decision. However, these proposed regulations would clarify the 
Department's policy and practice in light of that decision, and would 
do that only a short time after the court decision, thereby ensuring 
continuity in that policy and practice and avoiding changes in the 
behavior of recipients within the Third Circuit that could occur if 
Federal civil rights jurisdiction were changed. Therefore, it is 
possible that there will be no costs

[[Page 64197]]

associated with the proposed regulations. Since we believe that this 
proposed rule would have no significant effect on program expenditures, 
we do not consider this to be a major rule. Accordingly, we have not 
prepared an RIA.
    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 also requires that 
agencies perform an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits before 
proposing any rule that may result in expenditures, in any given year 
by State, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100 million. We are not preparing an analysis under 
this Act because this rule is not a major rule as defined at 5 U.S.C. 
804(2), nor will it have a significant economic impact on the 
operations of a substantial number of small providers of health and 
human services. The proposed rule implements statutory amendments and 
longstanding Department policy.
    We have reviewed this proposed rule under the threshold criteria of 
Executive Order 13132, Federalism. We have determined that it does not 
significantly affect the rights, roles and responsibilities of States.
    In accordance with the provisions of Executive Order 12866, this 
regulation was reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

List of Subjects

45 CFR Part 80

    Civil rights, Discrimination.

45 CFR Part 84

    Blind, Civil rights, Discrimination, Handicapped, Individuals with 
Disabilities.

45 CFR Part 86

    Civil rights, Sex discrimination.

45 CFR Parts 90 and 91

    Aged, Civil rights, discrimination.

    Dated: August 1, 2000.
Thomas E. Perez,
Director, Office for Civil Rights.
    Dated: August 2, 2000.
Donna Shalala,
Secretary.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Secretary proposes 
to amend parts 80, 84, 86, 90, and 91 of title 45 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 80--NONDISCRIMINATION UNDER PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL 
ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 
EFFECTUATION OF TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

    1. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 602, 78 Stat. 252; 42 U.S.C. 2000d-1.


Sec. 80.2  [Amended]

    2. Section 80.2 is amended by removing the words ``program for 
which'' and adding, in their place, ``program to which'' and removing 
the words ``assisted programs and activities'' and adding, in their 
place, ``financial assistance''.


Sec. 80.3  [Amended]

    3. Section 80.3(d) is amended by removing the words ``the benefits 
of a program'', and adding, in their place, the word ``benefits''.
    4. Section 80.4 is amended as follows--
    A. Removing the words ``to carry out a program'' in the first 
sentence of paragraph (a)(1);
    B. Removing the words ``except a program'' and adding, in their 
place, the words ``except an application'' in the first sentence of 
paragraph (a)(1);
    C. Removing the words ``for each program'' and the words ``in the 
program'' in the fifth sentence of paragraph (a)(1);
    D. Removing the words ``State programs'' and adding, in their 
place, the words ``Federal financial assistance'' in the heading of 
paragraph (b);
    E. Removing the words ``to carry out a program involving'' and 
adding, in their place, the word ``for'' in paragraph (b); and
    F. Revising paragraph (d)(2).
    The revision of paragraph (d)(2) reads as follows:


Sec. 80.4  Assurances required.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) The assurance required with respect to an institution of higher 
education, hospital, or any other institution, insofar as the assurance 
relates to the institution's practices with respect to admission or 
other treatment of individuals as students, patients, or clients of the 
institution or to the opportunity to participate in the provision of 
services or other benefits to such individuals, shall be applicable to 
the entire institution.
* * * * *
    5. Section 80.5 is amended as follows--
    A. Removing the words ``under the program'' in paragraph (a).
    B. Revising paragraph (c); and C. Removing the last sentence of 
paragraph (e).
    The revision of paragraph (c) reads as follows:


Sec. 80.5  Illustrative application.

* * * * *
    (c) In a research, training, demonstration, or other grant to a 
university for activities to be conducted in a graduate school, 
discrimination in the admission and treatment of students in the 
graduate school is prohibited, and the prohibition extends to the 
entire university.
* * * * *


Sec. 80.6  [Amended]

    6. Section 80.6(b) is amended by removing the words ``of any 
program under'' in the last sentence and adding, in their place, the 
word ``in''.


Sec. 80.9  [Amended]

    7. Section 80.9(e) is amended by removing the word ``programs'' in 
the first sentence and adding, in its place, the words ``Federal 
statutes, authorities, or other means by which Federal financial 
assistance is extended''.
    8. Section 80.13 is amended by removing the words ``for any 
program,'' and ``under any such program'' in paragraph (i); removing 
the words ``for the purpose of carrying out a program'' in paragraph 
(j); and revising paragraph (g) and revising the authority citation 
following the section to read as follows:


Sec. 80.13  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (g) The term program or activity and the term program means all of 
the operations of--
    (1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other 
instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
    (ii) The entity of such State or local government that distributes 
Federal financial assistance and each such department or agency (and 
each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is 
extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
    (2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, 
or a public system of higher education; or
    (ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 8801), 
system of vocational education, or other school system;
    (3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private 
organization, or an entire sole proprietorship--

[[Page 64198]]

    (A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, 
private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
    (B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing 
education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and 
recreation; or
    (ii) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate 
facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case 
of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole 
proprietorship; or
    (4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the 
entities described in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this 
section; any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance.
* * * * *
(Secs. 602, 606, Civil Rights Act of 1964, (42 U.S.C. 2000d-1, 
2000d-4a))

    9. Appendix A to part 80 is amended by revising the heading of part 
1 and the heading of part 2 to read as follows:

Appendix A to Part 80--Federal Financial Assistance to Which These 
Regulations Apply

Part 1--Assistance Other Than Continuing Assistance to States

* * * * *

Part 2--Continuing Assistance to States

* * * * *
    10. The title of part 84 is revised to read as follows:

PART 84--NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS OR 
ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

    11. The authority citation for part 84 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1405; 29 U.S.C. 794; 42 U.S.C. 290dd-2; 21 
U.S.C. 1174.


Sec. 84.2  [Amended]

    12. Section 84.2 is amended by removing the word ``each'' the 
second time it appears and adding, in its place, the word ``the''; and 
by removing the words ``or benefits from''.
    13. Section 84.3 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (k) and (l) 
as paragraphs (l) and (m), respectively; and adding a new paragraph (k) 
and adding an authority citation following this section to read as 
follows:


Sec. 84.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (k) Program or activity means all of the operations of--
    (1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other 
instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
    (ii) The entity of such State or local government that distributes 
Federal financial assistance and each such department or agency (and 
each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is 
extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
    (2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, 
or a public system of higher education; or
    (ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 8801), 
system of vocational education, or other school system;
    (3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private 
organization, or an entire sole proprietorship--
    (A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, 
private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
    (B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing 
education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and 
recreation; or
    (ii) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate 
facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case 
of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole 
proprietorship; or
    (4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the 
entities described in paragraph (k)(1), (2), or (3) of this section; 
any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance.
* * * * *
(29 U.S.C. 794(b))


Sec. 84.4  [Amended]

    14. Section 84.4 is amended by--
    A. Removing the words ``or benefits from'' in paragraphs (a) and 
(b)(5);
    B. Removing the words ``programs or activities'' whenever they 
appear in paragraph (b)(3), and adding, in their place, the words 
``aids, benefits, or services'';
    C. Removing the words ``or benefiting from'' in paragraph (b)(6); 
and
    D. In paragraph (c) removing the word ``Programs'' in the heading 
and adding, in its place, the words ``Aids, benefits, or services''; 
removing the words ``from the benefits of a program'' and adding, in 
their place, the words ``from aids, benefits, or services'', and 
removing the words ``from a program'' and adding, in their place, the 
words ``from aids, benefits, or services''.


Secs. 84.4, 84.6, 84.12, 84.32, 84.33, 84.36  [Amended]

    15. Remove the word ``program'' and add, in its place, the words 
``program or activity'' in the following sections:
    A. Section 84.4(b)(1)(v);
    B. Section 84.4(b)(4);
    C. Section 84.6(a)(3), whenever it appears;
    D. Section 84.12(a), (c) introductory text, and (c)(1);
    E. Section 84.32;
    F. Section 84.33(a); and
    G. Section 84.36, in the first sentence.


Sec. 84.5  [Amended]

    16. Section 84.5(a) is amended in the first sentence by removing 
the words ``for a program or activity'' and by removing the words ``the 
program'' and adding, in their place, the words ``the program or 
activity''.


Sec. 84.8  [Amended]

    17. Section 84.8(a) is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' in the second sentence and adding, in their place, the 
words ``programs or activities''.


Sec. 84.11  [Amended]

    18. Section 84.11 is amended by--
    A. Removing the words ``programs assisted'' and adding, in their 
place, the words ``programs or activities assisted'' in paragraph 
(a)(2);
    B. Removing the word ``programs'' and revising ``apprenticeship'' 
to read ``apprenticeships'' in the last sentence of paragraph (a)(4).
    C. Removing the word ``programs'' and adding the words ``those that 
are'' before ``social or recreational'' in paragraph (b)(8).

Subpart C--Accessibility

    19. The heading of Subpart C is amended by removing the word 
``PROGRAM''.


Sec. 84.22  [Amended]

    20. Section 84.22 is amended in paragraph (a) by removing the words 
``Program accessibility'' in the heading and adding, in their place, 
the word ``Accessibility'' and by removing the words ``each program or 
activity to which this part applies so that the program or activity, 
when viewed in its entirety,'' in the first sentence and adding in 
their place, the words ``its program or activity so that when each part 
is viewed in its entirety, it''; in paragraph (b) by removing the words 
``offer programs and activities to'' in the last sentence and adding, 
in their place, the word ``serve''; and in paragraph (e)(3) by removing 
the words ``program accessibility'' and adding, in their place,

[[Page 64199]]

the words ``full accessibility under paragraph (a)''.


Sec. 84.31  [Amended]

    21. Section 84.31 is amended by removing the words ``or benefit 
from'' whenever they appear; and by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' and adding, in their place, the words ``programs or 
activities''.


Sec. 84.33  [Amended]

    22. Section 84.33 is amended by--
    A. Removing the words ``individualized education program'' and 
adding, in their place, the words ``Individualized Education Program'' 
in paragraph (b)(2);
    B. Removing the words ``in or refer such person to a program other 
than the one that it operates'' and adding, in their place, the words 
``or refer such a person for aids, benefits, or services other than 
those that it operates or provides'' in the first sentence of paragraph 
(b)(3);
    C. Removing the words ``in or refers such person to a program not 
operated'' in the second sentence of paragraph (c)(1), and adding, in 
their place, the words ``or refers such person for aids, benefits, or 
services not operated or provided'';
    D. Removing the words ``of the program'' in the second sentence of 
paragraph (c)(1) and adding, in their place, the words ``of the aids, 
benefits, or services'';
    E. Removing the words ``in or refers such person to a program not 
operated'' in paragraph (c)(2), and adding, in their place, the words 
``or refers such person for aids, benefits, or services not operated or 
provided'';
    F. Removing the words ``from the program'' in paragraph (c)(2), and 
adding, in their place, the words ``from the aids, benefits, or 
services'';
    G. Removing the words ``in the program'' in paragraph (c)(2), and 
adding, in their place, the words ``in the aids, benefits, or 
services'';
    H. Removing the words ``If placement in a public or private 
residential program'' and adding, in their place, the words ``If a 
public or private residential placement'' in paragraph (c)(3); and 
removing the words ``the program'', and adding, in their place, the 
words ``the placement''; and
    I. Removing the words ``such a program'' in the last sentence of 
paragraph (c)(4), and adding, in their place, the words ``a free 
appropriate public education''.


Sec. 84.35  [Amended]

    23. Section 84.35(a) is amended by removing the words ``program 
shall'' and adding, in their place, the words ``program or activity 
shall'' and by removing the word ``a'' before the word ``regular'' and 
by removing the word ``program'' before the word ``and''.


Sec. 84.37  [Amended]

    24. Section 84.37(c)(1) is amended by removing the words ``programs 
and activities'' in the first sentence and adding, in their place, the 
words ``aids, benefits, or services''; and by removing the words ``in 
these activities'' in the last sentence.


Sec. 84.38  [Amended]

    25. Section 84.38 is amended by--
    A. Removing the word ``programs'' in the section heading;
    B. Removing the words ``operates a'' and adding, in their place, 
the word ``provides'';
    C. Removing the words ``program or activity or an'' after the word 
``care'' and adding, in their place, the word ``or'';
    D. Removing the words `` program or activity'' after the word 
``education'';
    E. Removing the words ``from the program or activity'';
    F. Revising the word ``aid'' to read ``aids''; and
    G. Removing the words ``under the program or activity''.


Sec. 84.39  [Amended]

    26. Section 84.39 is amended by--
    A. Removing the word ``programs'' in the section heading;
    B. Removing the words ``operates a'' and adding, in their place, 
the word ``provides'' in paragraph (a);
    C. Removing the word ``program'' after the word ``education'' in 
paragraph (a);
    D. Removing the words ``from such program'' in paragraph (a);
    E. Removing the words ``the recipient's program'' in paragraph (a), 
and adding, in their place, the words ``that recipient's program or 
activity''; and
    F. Removing the words ``operates special education programs shall 
operate such programs'' in paragraph (c), and adding, in their place, 
the words ``provides special education shall do so''.


Sec. 84.41  [Amended]

    27. Section 84.41 is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' whenever they appear in the section and adding, in their 
place, the words ``programs or activities''; and by removing the words 
``or benefit from'' whenever they appear in the section.


Sec. 84.43  [Amended]

    28. Section 84.43 is amended by--
    A. Removing the words ``program or activity'' in paragraph (a) and 
adding, in their place, the words ``aids, benefits, or services''; and
    B. Removing the words ``programs and activities'' in paragraph (d), 
and adding, in their place, the words ``program or activity''.


Sec. 84.44  [Amended]

    29. Section 84.44 is amended by--
    A. Removing the words ``program of'' in the second sentence of 
paragraph (a);
    B. Removing the words ``in its program'' in paragraph (c); and
    C. Removing the words ``under the education program or activity 
operated by the recipient'' in paragraph (d)(1).


Sec. 84.47  [Amended]

    30. Section 84.47 is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' in paragraph (a)(1), and adding, in their place, the words 
``aids, benefits, or services''.


Sec. 84.51  [Amended]

    31. Section 84.51 is amended by removing the words ``or benefit 
from'' whenever they appear in the section; and by removing the word 
``and'' before the word ``activities'' and adding, in its place, the 
word ``or''.


Sec. 84.54  [Amended]

    32. Section 84.54 is amended by removing the words ``operates or 
supervises a program or activity'' and adding, in their place, the 
words ``provides aids, benefits, or services''.


Sec. 84.55  [Amended]

    33. Section 84.55 is amended by removing the word ``programs'' in 
paragraph (a) and adding in its place, the words ``programs or 
activities''.

PART 86--NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION 
PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

    34. The heading for part 86 is revised to read as set forth above.
    35. Section 86.2 is amended by--
    A. Redesignating paragraphs (h) through (r) as paragraphs (i) 
through (s), respectively;
    B. Adding a new paragraph (h) and revising the authority citation 
following the section; and
    C. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (i) to remove the words 
``or benefits from''.
    New paragraph (h) reads as follows:


Sec. 86.2  Definitions

* * * * *
    (h) Program or activity and program means all of the operations 
of--
    (1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other

[[Page 64200]]

instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
    (ii) The entity of such a State or local government that 
distributes Federal financial assistance and each such department or 
agency (and each other State or local government entity) to which the 
assistance is extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local 
government;
    (2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, 
or a public system of higher education; or
    (ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 8801), 
system of vocational education, or other school system;
    (3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private 
organization, or an entire sole proprietorship--
    (A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, 
private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
    (B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing 
education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and 
recreation; or
    (ii) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate 
facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case 
of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole 
proprietorship; or
    (4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the 
entities described in paragraph (h)(1), (2), or (3) of this section; 
any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance.
* * * * *
(Secs. 901, 902, 908, Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. 1681, 
1682, 1687)
* * * * *


Sec. 86.4  [Amended]

    36. Section 86.4 is amended by removing the word ``each'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``the'' in the first sentence of 
paragraph (a).


Sec. 86.6  [Amended]

    37. Section 86.6 is amended by removing the words ``or benefits 
from'' in paragraph (c).


Sec. 86.11  [Amended]

    38. Section 86.11 is amended by removing the word ``each'' and 
adding, in its place, the word ``the''; and by removing the words ``or 
benefits from''.
    39. The titles of Subparts D and E are amended by removing the word 
``and'' and adding, in its place, the word ``or''.


Sec. 86.31  [Amended]

    40. Section 86.31 is amended by--
    A. Removing the word ``and'' in the section heading, and adding, in 
its place, the word ``or'';
    B. Removing the words ``or benefits from'' in the first sentence of 
paragraph (a); and
    C. Removing the words ``Programs not operated'' in the heading of 
paragraph (d), and adding, in their place, the words ``Aid, benefits, 
or services not provided''.


Sec. 86.40  [Amended]

    41. Section 86.40 is amended by removing the words ``in the normal 
education program or activity'' in paragraph (b)(2); and by removing 
the words ``instructional program in the separate program'' in 
paragraph (b)(3) and adding, in their place, the words ``separate 
portion''.
    42. Section 86.51 is amended by removing the words ``or benefits 
from'' in paragraph (a)(1).

PART 90--NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AGE IN PROGRAMS OR 
ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

    43. The authority citation for part 90 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
6101 et seq.


Sec. 90.1  [Amended]

    44. Section 90.1 is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' in the last sentence and adding, in their place, the words 
``programs or activities''.


Sec. 90.3  [Amended]

    45. Section 90.3 is amended by removing the word ``and'' in the 
section heading and adding, in its place, the word ``or''.
    46. Section 90.4 is amended by adding in alphabetical order a new 
definition of ``Program or activity'' and adding an authority citation 
following the section to read as follows:


Sec. 90.4  How are the terms in these regulations defined?

* * * * *
    Program or activity means all of the operations of--(a)(1) A 
department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality 
of a State or of a local government; or
    (2) The entity of such State or local government that distributes 
Federal financial assistance and each such department or agency (and 
each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is 
extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
    (b)(1) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, 
or a public system of higher education; or
    (2) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 8801), 
system of vocational education, or other school system;
    (c)(1) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private 
organization, or an entire sole proprietorship--
    (i) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, 
private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
    (ii) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing 
education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and 
recreation; or
    (2) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate 
facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case 
of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole 
proprietorship; or
    (d) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the 
entities described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this definition; 
any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance.
* * * * *
(42 U.S.C. 6107)


Sec. 90.34  [Amended]

    47. Section 90.34 is amended by removing the word ``programs'' and 
adding, in its place, the words ``programs or activities'' whenever 
they appear in the section.


Sec. 90.42  [Amended]

    48. Section 90.42 is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' in the first sentence of paragraph (a) and adding, in 
their place, the words ``programs or activities''.


Sec. 90.43  [Amended]

    49. Section 90.43 is amended by removing the word ``program'' in 
the last sentence of paragraph (c)(4).


Sec. 90.47  [Amended]

    50. Section 90.47 is amended by removing the word ``Federal'' in 
the first sentence of paragraph (c)(2).


Sec. 90.48  [Amended]

    51. Section 90.48 is amended by removing the words ``program or 
activity'' in the last sentence and adding, in their place, the words 
``Federal financial assistance''.


Sec. 90.49  [Amended]

    52. Section 90.49 is amended by removing the word ``program'' 
whenever it appears in paragraph (c)

[[Page 64201]]

and adding, in its place, the words ``program or activity''.

PART 91--NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AGE IN PROGRAMS OR 
ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM HHS

    53. The heading for part 91 is revised to read as set forth above.
    54. The authority citation for part 91 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 
6101 et seq. (45 CFR part 90).


Sec. 91.1  [Amended]

    55. Section 91.1 is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' in the last sentence and adding, in their place, the words 
``programs or activities''.


Sec. 91.2  [Amended]

    56. Section 91.2 is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' in the last sentence and adding, in their place, the words 
``programs or activities''.


Sec. 91.3  [Amended]

    57. Section 91.3 is amended by removing the word ``programs'' in 
the section heading and adding, in its place, the words ``programs or 
activities''; and removing the words ``or benefits from'' in paragraph 
(a).
    58. Section 91.4 is amended by adding in alphabetical order a new 
definition of ``Program or activity'' and adding an authority citation 
following the section to read as follows:


Sec. 91.4  Definition of terms used in these regulations

* * * * *
    Program or activity means all of the operations of--
    (a)(1) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other 
instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
    (2) The entity of such State or local government that distributes 
Federal financial assistance and each such department or agency (and 
each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is 
extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
    (b)(1) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, 
or a public system of higher education; or
    (2) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 8801), 
system of vocational education, or other school system;
    (c)(1) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private 
organization, or an entire sole proprietorship--
    (i) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, 
private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
    (ii) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing 
education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and 
recreation; or
    (2) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate 
facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case 
of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole 
proprietorship; or
    (d) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the 
entities described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this definition; 
any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance.
* * * * *

(Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6107)


Sec. 91.17  [Amended]

    59. Section 91.17 is amended by removing the word ``program'' 
whenever it appears and adding, in its place, the words ``program or 
activity''.


Sec. 91.18  [Amended]

    60. Section 91.18 is amended by removing the word ``program'' and 
adding, in its place, the words ``program or activity''.


Sec. 91.31  [Amended]

    61. Section 91.31 is amended by removing the words ``programs and 
activities'' in the first sentence and adding, in their place, the 
words ``programs or activities''.


Sec. 91.32  [Amended]

    62. Section 91.32 is amended by removing the word ``program'' in 
paragraph (b).


Sec. 91.44  [Amended]

    63. Section 91.44 is amended by removing the word ``program'' in 
paragraph (a)(2).


Sec. 91.46  [Amended]

    64. Section 91.46 is amended by removing the words ``program and 
activity'' in the first sentence of paragraph (b) and adding, in their 
place, the words ``program or activity''; and by removing the word 
``Federal'' in the first sentence of paragraph (c)(2).


Sec. 91.49  [Amended]

    65. Section 91.49 is amended by removing the words ``program or 
activity'' in paragraph (b)(2) and adding, in their place, the words 
``Federal financial assistance''.

[FR Doc. 00-27306 Filed 10-25-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4153-01-P