Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Since language is closely tied to national origin, this statute has become the legal foundation for language access requirements across the United States.
Executive Order 13166, signed in 2000, further clarified the obligations of federal agencies and recipients of federal funding. It requires these organizations to take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to LEP individuals. This means that hospitals, courts, schools, social services agencies, and any other entity receiving federal funds must ensure that language barriers do not prevent individuals from accessing their programs and services.
A strong language access plan is the first step toward Title VI compliance. This plan should assess the needs of the LEP population in your service area, identify the languages most commonly encountered, and establish protocols for providing interpretation and translation services. The plan should also address staff training, quality assurance, and community outreach.
The four-factor analysis recommended by the Department of Justice helps organizations determine the appropriate level of language services. These factors include the number or proportion of LEP individuals in the service area, the frequency of contact with LEP individuals, the nature and importance of the service, and the resources available to the organization.
Failure to comply with Title VI can result in loss of federal funding, complaints filed with the Office for Civil Rights, and litigation. Beyond the legal risks, inadequate language access leads to poor service delivery, reduced trust in government institutions, and worse outcomes for the communities that need help the most.
BeKonek Solutions helps government agencies at every level develop and implement effective language access programs. Our services include on-demand interpretation in 300+ languages, certified document translation, and consultation on language access planning and compliance. As a SAM.gov registered provider, we understand the unique procurement requirements of the public sector.
Whether you are a federal agency reviewing your language access plan or a county government responding to a shifting demographic, we are here to help you meet your Title VI obligations and serve every member of your community.