Title VI Compliance

Gain understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding language services

Title VI

All organizations receiving federal aid must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This page features summarized information regarding Title VI, compliance, and guidelines.

Title VI information

  • Any kind of federal assistance qualifies, including money, special loans, equipment, or training
  • Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of “race, color, or national origin”1
  • National origin includes language-based discrimination against Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals
  • Discrimination includes failing to take “reasonable steps to provide LEP persons with meaningful opportunity”3 to participate in the services your organization provides.

Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency

This executive order further defines Title VI compliance. Key points include:

  • Requirement to prepare a plan to improve access for LEP individuals – a Language Access Plan (LAP)
  • Each organization must have an LAP that is “specifically tailored to its recipients”2
  • Reinforced requirement to ensure meaningful access to LEP individuals

Department of Justice policy guidance document

The Department of Justice released official, detailed guidance for Title VI compliance. The guidance further defines how to be in compliance. Key points include:

  • Types of language services that help meet Title VI compliance, including the use of third party interpretation and translation vendors
  • Recommendations for constructing an LAP

As a language service provider, LLE helps government and 911 emergency response organizations meet Title VI compliance through expertise and the outsourcing of instruction, assessment, interpretation and translation services. This helps organizations meet compliance requirements while avoiding the burden of hiring staff or expensive on-site contractors.

To learn more about how LLE can help your organization or how to order from the GSA schedule, contact us or email info@lle-inc.com.

Sources:

Title VI: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/coord/titlevi.htm
Title VI, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., was enacted as part of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Executive Order 13166: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/Pubs/eolep.htm
An executive order geared at improving access to federally conducted and federally assisted programs and activities for persons who, as a result of national origin, are limited in their English proficiency (LEP).

DOJ Guidance: http://www.justice.gov/crt/cor/lep/DOJFinLEPFRJun182002.php
The Department of Justice (DOJ) Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons. This DOJ LEP Guidance is issued pursuant to Executive Order 13166.