U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to hold Public Briefing: Language Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

March 21, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

, /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a briefing on Friday, March 21, 2025, to examine the extent to which language barriers impact access to government services and healthcare for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The investigation will explore how government agencies and recipients of federal funding provide language access, the challenges of language access, and best practices for improving language access.

"The Commission is dedicated to ensuring that all individuals can access the resources they need to thrive. Millions of Americans rely on government services and federally funded programs, yet too many face barriers simply because English is not their first language.  This briefing will help identify solutions and reinforce our commitment to breaking down language barriers so that no one is excluded from access to essential services." - Chair Rochelle M. Garza

"Today, 25.7 million or 8% of people ages five or older living in the U.S. are LEP.  The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LEP Americans and longstanding federal guidance has helped to ensure equitable access to government services and federally funded programs for all Americans, including LEP persons." - Commissioner Glenn D. Magpantay.

At this public briefing, the Commission will hear from subject matter experts such as language access researchers and attorneys, federal and state government officials, community advocates, and impacted persons. The Commission will accept written materials from the public for consideration as we prepare our report; submit to [email protected] no later than April 21, 2025.

DATE:
Friday, March 21, 2025, 10 am – 4:50 pm ET*

LOCATION:
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1150
Washington, DC 20425 (National Place Building F Street Entrance)

AGENDA:
Introductory Remarks: 10:00 am - 10:10 am 
Panel 1: Overview of the Current Language Access Landscape: 10:10 – 11:20 am
Break: 11:20 – 11:30 am
Panel 2: Language Access in Government Services and Healthcare: 11:30 am – 12:40 pm
Lunch: 12:40 – 2:10 pm
Panel 3: From the Field: Community Advocates' Views on Language Access: 2:10 - 3:20 pm 
Break: 3:20 pm - 3:30 pm
Panel 4: From the Field: The Lived Experiences of Individuals with Limited English Proficiency: 3:30 pm - 4:40 pm
Closing Remarks: 4:40 – 4:50 pm
Adjourn Meeting.

***The briefing will also be live streamed on the Commission's YouTube page. Virtual attendance is encouraged due to limited space.***

Open Comment Session (public testimony): Written comments should be submitted to [email protected] by April 21, 2025.

Stay abreast of updates at www.usccr.gov and on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Bluesky.

*Schedule subject to change

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, established by the Civil Rights Act of 1957, is the only independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights and reporting annually on federal civil rights enforcement. Our 56 state Advisory Committees offer a broad perspective on civil rights concerns at state and local levels. The Commission: in our 7th decade, a continuing legacy of influence in civil rights. For information about the Commission, please visit www.usccr.gov.

Contact: Joe Kim
[email protected]

SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights