The Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan addresses Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. In 1974, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the failure to ensure meaningful opportunity for national origin minorities, with limited-English proficiency, to participate in a federally funded program violates Title VI (Federal-Aid Recipient Programs & Activities) regulations. Additionally, requirements are outlined in Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Service for Persons with Limited English Proficiency signed on August 11, 2000. Its purpose is to ensure accessibility to programs and services to eligible persons who have limited proficiency in the English language.
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published Policy Guidance Concerning Recipients’ Responsibilities to Limited English Proficient Persons in the December 14,, 2005 Federal Register Volume 70; Number 239. The guidance explicitly identifies Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) as organizations that must follow this guidance. The final Limited English Proficiency Plan must be consistent with the fundamental mission of the organization, though not unduly burdening the organization.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan
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