Limited English Proficiency - Civil Rights

Persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) are protected from national origin-baseddiscrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and under Executive Order 13166. As such, we must make reasonable efforts to ensure that individuals who have limited English proficiency have meaningful ccess to federally funded educational programs and activities. A Limited English Proficient (LEP) person is an individual who does not speak English as his/her primary language and who has limited ability to read, speak, write, and understand English.

MSU Extension will conduct periodic assessments that will identify significant need programs and ways to provide language assistance to LEP persons. The assessment will include, but not be limited to, latest census information, data from local school systems and /or community organizations serving LEP clients, data from local and state governments, and an analysis of the four factors outlined below.

1. Number or proportion of LEP individuals eligible to be served or that is likely to be encountered by the program.

2. Frequency with which LEP individuals come in contact with the program.

3. Nature and importance of the program, activity, or service provided by the program to people’s lives.

4. Resources available to meet the language access obligation.

As a result of the assessment process, the most reasonable method of language assistance to improve access of services will be determined. Careful consideration will be given to assure competency in the delivery of language assistance and services. Competency will be assessed and determined based on experience, credentials, references, understanding of content and cultural accuracy and sensitivity. Language assistance may include but not be limited to:

1. Translation of written materials

2. Interpretation of spoken words

3. Production of audiovisual material

4. Bilingual staff

5. Community volunteers

MSU Extension will not rely on web-based translation services as these are many times inaccurate.

LEP persons will be notified of services, changes in services, and complaint procedures. Notification of language services may include but not be limited to:

1. Posting translated signs in areas populated by the LEP persons;

2. Inserting translated notices in recruitment and outreach documents;

3. Disseminating information on media likely to be used by LEP persons (radio, television, newspaper);

4. Collaborating with local organizations to inform LEP persons about services.

Limited English Proficiency FAQ available here.

Questions about the LEP plan should be addressed to:

Mary Fran San Soucie

Internal Relations

[email protected]

Resources:

l Federal Interagency Working Group on Limited English Proficiency: www.LEP.gov

l Language Access Assessment and Planning Tool for Federally Conducted and Federally Assisted Programs: http://www.lep.gov/resources/2011_Language_Access_Assessment_and_Planning_Tool.pdf