One 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—regardless of the language they speak—can access the information, services, and rights they are entitled to.
Despite the recent executive order, the state of New York, the City of Salem, MA and Cook County, IL were among the many communities that celebrated Language Access Month by acknowledging the importance of language diversity and sharing resources, language access training, and creating new resources—like the “I Speak” cards in 34 languages. But language access as a fundamental right did not stop on April 30. In fact, communities have long invested in building out their language access infrastructure for languages other than English, such as expanding interpretation services, translating vital resources and documents, and training staff, and continue to do so.
Language Access 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 1964 Civil Rights Act. Under Title VI, the federal government is prohibited from discriminating based off someone’s national origin. Since then, various court cases and guidance have further cemented requirements to establish meaningful language access.
However, recent changes, including Executive Order 14224, signed by the president in March, no longer require federal agencies to offer services in languages other than English. It also gives agencies a new level of autonomy to determine when and how to offer services in languages other than English. This could change the direction of federal guidance and leadership around language access.
The U.S. is home to many languages, with as many as 430 different languages spoken across the country. Many residents, including those who have recently arrived and those who have long set roots in the U.S., often continue speaking their native language while simultaneously learning English.
Yet learning English can be a long and difficult process, especially for individuals juggling jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or who have limited educational opportunities. For example, newly arrived refugees are expected to achieve self-sufficiency as soon as possible, including everything from opening a bank account, securing housing and childcare, and landing a job to pay the bills—all while learning English. Because paying rent and bills begins immediately, refugees often must start working quickly, learning just enough English to navigate their new community and their new jobs, but can struggle to find adequate time to devote to learning English.
But language access isn’t just about new arrivals. Many people who have lived in the U.S. for decades—sometimes generations—have limited English proficiency, including Indigenous peoples, multigenerational Spanish speakers, and people who use American Sign Language.
Inclusive Communities Are Safe Communities
When people can understand public health guidance, report crimes, enroll their children in school, or access emergency services, entire communities benefit. Language access promotes trust in government and public institutions. It encourages civic engagement, reduces isolation, increases public safety, and ensures that vital services reach the people who need them.
If a parent can’t understand a letter from their child’s school, or a tenant can’t read their lease agreement, these situations aren’t just frustrating—they can have real and lasting consequences for both children and adults. Providing interpretation, translated materials, and multilingual support are ways to foster inclusion and protect civil rights.
Examples of Local Language Access Policies
Across the U.S., cities and states are recognizing that language access is a civil rights issue—and they’re implementing policies in support of Title VI requirements and that go beyond federal requirements:
- Colorado passed a law in 2023 (HB 23-1004) that requires insurers of automobile, homeowners’ or renters’ polices to provide policy and related documents in the same languages that the insurer used in advertisements for the policies.
- Minnesota has developed state-wide language access plans, such as the Judicial Branch’s Language Access Plan or the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan, especially in health and human services, ensuring multilingual access to critical benefits.
- Phoenix, Arizona published a language access plan in October 2024 to define language access and lay out resources and services available in the city.
- New York City has one of the most robust language access laws in the country. Since 2018, city agencies have been required to provide interpretation in over 100 languages and translate vital documents into the top 10 spoken languages.
- Washington, D.C. passed the Language Access Act in 2004, requiring government agencies to provide services in multiple languages, with oversight and compliance reviews by the Office of Human Rights.
- Seattle, Washington established a city-wide Language Access Program that ensures city departments provide translated materials and interpreter services based on community needs.
Moving Forward
Language access isn’t a sometimes or would-be-nice-to-have accommodation. It’s a foundational element of justice and inclusion. It helps build safe and secure communities where everyone can thrive and communicate clearly.
While Language Access Month has ended, the importance of acknowledging, incorporating, and celebrating different languages in our communities is one we carry with us all year long.
FILED UNDER: Arizona, Colorado, New York, Trump administration, Washington, Washington D.C.
