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A month after President Trump declared English as the only official language of the United States, communities across the country celebrated Language Access Month throughout April. The month emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all people have access to qualified information, services and rights, regardless of the language they speak.
Despite the recent executive order, Salem, Massachusetts, Illinois, and New York have been one of many communities celebrating Language Access Month, allowing language diversity and resource sharing, language access training, and the creation of new resources such as 34 language “I Speak” cards. However, language access as a fundamental right did not stop on April 30th. In fact, the community has long invested in building language access infrastructure for languages other than English, including expanding interpretive services, translating key resources and documents, and training staff.
Access to the language is a fundamental right
Language access, which typically includes provisions such as multilingual staff, translated resources, and interpreters, can find legal origins rooted in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under Title VI, the federal government is prohibited from discriminating based on someone else’s country of origin. Since then, various litigation and guidance have further strengthened the requirements for establishing meaningful language access.
However, recent changes, including Executive Order 14224, signed by the president in March, no longer require federal agencies to provide services in languages other than English. It also provides agents with a new level of autonomy to decide when and how services are provided in languages other than English. This could change the direction of federal guidance and leadership on language access.
There are many languages in the United States, with as many as 430 different languages spoken nationwide. Many residents, including those who have recently arrived and those who have long set roots in the US, often continue to speak their native language while learning English.
However, learning English can be a long and challenging process, especially for individuals with limited work, caregiving responsibilities, or educational opportunities. For example, newly arrived refugees are expected to achieve self-sufficiency as soon as possible, including opening a bank account, ensuring housing and childcare, and everything that lands work to pay bills while learning all English. As rent and bill payments begin quickly, refugees often start working quickly, learning enough English to navigate new communities and new jobs, but they can struggle to find enough time to concentrate on learning English.
But language access isn’t just about new arrivals. Many people (sometimes generations) who lived in the United States for decades have limited English proficiency, including indigenous peoples, multi-species Spanish speakers, and those who use American sign language.
An inclusive community is a safe community
If people can understand public health guidance, report crime, register children with schools, and access emergency services, it will benefit the entire community. Language access promotes trust in government and public institutions. It promotes citizen engagement, reduces isolation, increases public safety, and ensures that people are able to reach people who need critical services.
If parents can’t understand their child’s letters from school, or if the tenant can’t read the lease agreement, these situations aren’t just frustrating. They can have real and lasting consequences for both children and adults. Providing interpretation, translated material and multilingual support is a way to promote inclusion and protect civil rights.
Examples of local language access policies
Throughout the US, cities and states recognize that language access is a civil rights issue, and have implemented policies that support Title VI requirements, exceeding federal requirements.
Colorado passed the law in 2023 (HB 23-1004). You have requested that the insurance company of your car, homeowner, or tenant’s policy be provided to you in the same language that the insurance company used in policy ads. Minnesota has developed a statewide language access plan, including the Judicial Department Language Access Plan and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plan, particularly health and human services, ensuring multilingual access to important benefits. Phoenix, Arizona published its Language Access Plan in October 2024, defining language access and laying out resources and services available in the city. New York City has one of the most robust language access methods in the country. Since 2018, city agencies have provided interpretations in over 100 languages and need to translate important documents into the top 10 speech languages. Washington, DC passed the Language Access Act in 2004, requiring government agencies to provide services in multiple languages and received oversight and compliance reviews by the Human Rights Office. Seattle, Washington, has established a citywide language access program that ensures that the city’s department provides translated materials and interpretation services based on community needs.
I’ll move forward
Access to languages is sometimes or not a cozy accommodation. It is the fundamental element of justice and inclusion. This helps to build a safe and secure community where everyone can thrive and communicate clearly.
Language Access Month is over, but the importance of recognizing, incorporating and celebrating a variety of languages in our community is something we carry all year round.
Submitted below: Arizona, Colorado, New York, Trump administration, Washington, Washington, DC
