Attorney General Issues Memo Outlining Next Steps in Making English Official Language in US

The Trump administration is reversing the longstanding practice of requiring information on federal programs to be provided in multiple languages for people with limited English proficiency, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A memo from Attorney General Pamela Bondi, released on July 14, states that language is not covered by the Civil Rights Act. Title VI is based on the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment. It requires equal treatment under the law, regardless of a person’s immutable characteristics, such as race or national origin. Based on this interpretation, federal agencies and federally funded state and local entities were required to provide forms, websites, notices, and advisories in languages spoken by the applicants. Translators were also to be provided....