Know Your Rights

Are you Limited English Proficient?
(LEP)

Have you tried to get benefits or services from the government or an organization but were unable to because you cannot read, speak, write, or understand English well enough?

Did you know that this could be a form of national origin discrimination?

What is national origin discrimination?

• A federal law, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protects your civil rights, including your right to be free from national origin discrimination.



• The Supreme Court of the United States of America said that one type of national origin discrimination is discrimination based on your inability to speak, read, write, or understand English.



• This means that states or local governments or any organization that receives money or other types of assistance from the federal government cannot discriminate against you because of your national origin.



• Here are some examples of what might be national origin discrimination:



• A hospital only has forms or documents in English and does not know how to help you if you don't speak, read, write, or understand English well enough.



• You call the police to report an emergency, but they cannot help you because they only speak English and they cannot understand your language.



• Your child's school communicates important information to you only in English, but you do not read or understand English well enough to understand the information.



• You seek help at a government office but there is not an employee or interpreter who can speak your language. You are told to return with someone who can interpret for you.



• A government office sends important documents to you -- such as applications, letters regarding reduction, denial, or termination of money, or any letter that requires your reply -- in English only.



• A company or group receives funds from the federal government to conduct a research study that impacts your community. As part of the study, they have to talk with the community, but they only speak with individuals in the community who are fluent in English.

Optional agency-specific examples of LEP national origin discrimination.

If you believe that you have experienced national origin discrimination and want help or more information, please call this number or write to this address:

Agency Contact Information Here

National Origin Discrimination is Against the Law