Yesterday marked the 24th anniversary of Executive Order 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.” At its core, the Order acknowledges the fundamental principle that the federal government must be able to understand and communicate with all people in the United States, including those with limited English proficiency (LEP), to keep our country and communities safe and prosperous.
Today, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has released a snapshot of its review to date of federal agency language access plans. Additional information about federal agency progress and trends will be provided in the coming months as work continues on updating and implementing their language access plans.
"Communication is critical to our mission. For over two decades, the department has worked in partnership with federal agencies and stakeholders to eliminate language barriers to federal and federally funded programs or services," stated an official from the Justice Department. Misunderstandings can lead to tragic consequences in emergency situations, health care systems, and the justice system. Indeed, communicating with and understanding people with LEP is critical to enforcing the law, protecting the environment, providing housing or food assistance, promoting student achievement, ensuring public health, and upholding economic prosperity and justice. When government agencies provide translations of vital documents or offer an interpreter during important conversations or hearings, they enhance the effectiveness of federal programs and services.
The department remains committed to ensuring that its own programs and those it funds remain open to all individuals regardless of English proficiency. While much progress has been made across federal agencies, challenges remain. The department's detailed review of 40 updated federal agency language access plans revealed increasing commitments among agencies:
- Establishing dedicated language access personnel and staff training protocols;
- Improving quality controls for accurate language assistance services;
- Expanding multilingual online content and digital communications.
In addition to coordinating these efforts, learning about effective policies to eliminate language barriers remains a priority. Notable initiatives include:
- Making permanent the position of Language Access Coordinator within the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) after an inaugural term appointment expired.
- Developing component-specific language access plans under ATJ’s guidance.
- Providing technical assistance for translation services across over 50 offices within the department.
- Completing more than 75 translation projects involving various public-facing materials.
As part of its Law Enforcement Language Access Initiative (LELAI), Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke issued a letter reiterating law enforcement's civil rights obligations concerning LEP individuals in December 2023. The initiative also partnered with COPS Office and National Center for Policing Innovation on resources available via COPS Training Portal.
The division continues partnerships with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide aiding law enforcement in fulfilling their obligations toward LEP individuals through measures such as settlement agreements with specific law enforcement agencies like King County Sheriff's Office in Washington State and Denver Police Department in Colorado.
Additionally, voting rights materials have been posted in multiple languages including brochures explaining Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
In the coming year, interagency meetings led by the Federal Language Access Working Group will focus on effective staff training; recruiting multilingual staff; contracting qualified translators; using technology for reliable services—fulfilling Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 alongside Executive Order 13166 aims.