Memorandum #362—Limited English Proficiency Policy

Effective: May 9, 2023
Approved by:  President
                                                                                    Policy Holder:  Coordinator of English Language Learners Student Services

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are crucial to Community College of Philadelphia (the “College”). The College embraces and understands the importance of providing an education and environment that promote the uniqueness of students, faculty, staff and the communities that we serve.

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166, the College prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, including discrimination based on a person’s limited English proficiency (“LEP”) or English learner status. A Limited English Proficient (“LEP”) person is an individual who does not speak English as his/her/their primary language and who has limited ability to read, speak, write, and understand English. The College is committed to providing meaningful access to our programs and activities to those with LEP.  To that end, the College will take reasonable steps to make available appropriate alternative language formats to those with limited English proficiency upon request.

As part of this commitment, the College will provide LEP persons with “language assistance measures” resulting in an equal opportunity to participate in the College’s services, activities, programs and other benefits. “Language assistance measures” are communication accommodations that enable LEP persons to access program services and/or experience them at an acceptable level. These measures include but are not limited to the following examples:

• Promptly identifying the language and communication needs of an LEP person who makes themself known to the College.
• Utilizing outside language resources to provide LEP services.
• Developing and updating a list of bilingual or multilingual employees/departments who might assist LEP persons.
• Applications and forms translated into multiple languages.
• Notification of availability of services and programs to translate languages.
• Volunteers and staff who are bilingual or multilingual.

The College also provides the “I Speak” cards as a resource for LEP persons. They can be downloaded here to help those with LEP identify to others the language that they speak.

For questions regarding LEP resources at Community College of Philadelphia, please contact the following individuals:

Individuals who believe they have not been provided reasonable access to LEP services may also file a complaint with the College’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at TitleVI@ccp.edu or in Room M2-07.