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Limited English Proficiency Policy

A. Regulations

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the US Department of Labor requires that recipients of federal financial assistance provide meaningful access . to their programs, activities, and services to individuals with limited English proficiency. The Executive Order 13166 of 2000 directs that federal agencies extending financial assistance must require that 1)  recipient  agencies  comply with the requirements of Title VI, Limited English Proficiency provisions and 2) provide guidance to such recipients that is consistent with the standards of compliance specified by the Department of Justice.
 
In conformance with the Executive Order 13166, the US Department of Labor's Civil Rights Center established guidance for recipients of federal financial assistance pertaining to their responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons (LEP). The Civil Rights Center's Policy Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance Recipients reiterates that recipients of federal assistance are responsible for ensuring meaningful access to their programs, benefits, services, and activities to limited English proficient individuals.

B. Policy

In conformance with federal regulations, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry directs that recipients and sub-recipients of federal financial assistance under its jurisdiction, must develop and implement a course of action or Program Plan that is consistent with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons (LEP) to ensure meaningful access to their programs, benefits, services and activities to limited English proficient persons.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's Office of Equal Opportunity is entrusted with the responsibility of 1) developing an agency-wide Program Plan to ensure that recipients and sub-recipients of federal assistance are providing meaningful access to their programs, services, benefits, and activities to limited English proficient individuals in a consistent manner; 2) increasing awareness of the Limited English Proficiency Policy in the Department of Labor and Industry, and monitoring department wide LEP activities.

Should you have any questions or concerns with language access at Labor & Industry, please contact our Office of Equal Opportunity by phone at (717) 787-1182 or by emailing RA-LI-Fed-Comp-Acct@pa.gov.