Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Persons with Limited English Proficiency in Programs and Activities Conducted by USDA

This Departmental Regulation (DR) establishes the policies and procedures for ensuring that persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to programs and activities conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pursuant to Executive Order 13166, “Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.” (“The Executive Order.”)

The Executive Order requires that each federal agency shall prepare a plan to improve access to its federally conducted programs and activities by eligible LEP persons. Each plan shall be consistent with the standards set forth in the Department of Justice’s Policy Guidance Document entitled, “Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964-National Origin Discrimination Against Persons With Limited English Proficiency” (“DOJ LEP Guidance”), reprinted at 65 FR 50123 (Aug. 16, 2000). The DOJ LEP Guidance advises each Federal agency on the most appropriate steps agencies should take to ensure meaningful access by LEP individuals to information and services the agency provides.