4/1/2025

On Saturday, March 1st 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14224 which designated English as the official language of the United States of America. Many have considered this action to be symbolic, but Executive Order 14224 should be understood as a first step in upending federal language access policy by rescinding Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency. The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute stands with all limited English proficient (LEP) people whose right to equal access to government services and benefits is being jeopardized by this change in federal language access policy.

Signed by President Clinton in 2000 with bipartisan support, Executive Order 13166 set the standard for federal agencies and federal assistance recipients to provide language access services to LEP persons.  

By rescinding Executive Order 13166 while leaving the continued provision of language access up to the discretion of federal agencies, Executive Order 14224 effectively rejects language access in principle by deregulating the provision of language access services in practice by federal agencies. Without clear policy obligations and collective commitment regarding enforcement, the struggles and unique experiences of LEP persons are neglected and dismissed outright by this administration. 

The signing of Executive Order 14224 signals a move by the presidential administration from encouraging proactive policy frameworks to ensure language access by federal agencies and federal assistance recipients to a reactive policy position. Not only a disservice to LEP persons, Executive Order 14224 also deprioritizes the vital work of interpreters and translators throughout our country who ensure that LEP persons can access information and effectively advocate for themselves when interacting with the federal government on issues ranging from public health and healthcare benefits to access to justice. 

The rescission of Executive Order 13166 weakens language access protections within the administration of the executive branch and federally funded entities, but language access is still the law of the land. Looking to federal, state, and local law, like Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, advocates in Massachusetts and around the country are equipped and ready to defend the rights of LEP persons and will continue to work to strengthen language access protections through legislation, litigation, and advocacy.

Now more than ever, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute is proud to be a leading coalition member of the Mass Speaks Coalition which has gathered community organizations, local non-profits, and legal aid partners to advocate for the passage of the Language Access and Inclusion Act (H.3384/S.2125). Now is the time to be steadfast in our conviction that good governance is undertaken in the service of all to protect the freedom of all by ensuring justice for all. 

Working with our partners in Massachusetts and beyond, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute will continue to advocate for what is best for the people of Massachusetts and with your support, we will succeed!

Visit our website to learn more about our work, including our legislative priorities for the 2025-2026 Session of the Massachusetts State Legislature. 

Learn more about the Language Access and Inclusion Act and join us in our advocacy by contacting your state legislator today!