Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is deeply concerned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) recent decision to provide materials only in English. This decision risks excluding millions of Americans from critical information about their housing rights.
“Fair housing rights are fundamental civil rights. Restricting materials to English only creates unnecessary obstacles for communities that already face systemic barriers,” said Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, PHRC Executive Director. “At the PHRC, we are required under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, to make sure that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of the language they speak, has equal access to the information they need to protect themselves and their families. We are committed to fulfilling this requirement and will continue ensuring all Pennsylvanians are aware of their protections and rights.”
According to Penn State Harrisburg’s Pennsylvania State Data Center, more than 12 percent of Pennsylvania residents aged five and older speak a language other than English at home (based on the 2019–2023 American Community Survey five-year estimates). Among this group, more than one-third speak with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Without access to translated materials, these Pennsylvanians could face barriers to understanding and exercising their fair housing rights.
Adrian Garcia, PHRC Director of Enforcement, added: “Language should never be a barrier to justice. Limiting resources to English ignores the lived realities of so many Pennsylvanians and Americans who need to understand their rights to effectively assert them. Discrimination based on national origin is prohibited under both Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act. By not providing translated resources, HUD risks undermining these protections and creating conditions where residents are unable to fully exercise their civil rights.”
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Because national origin discrimination can include failing to provide meaningful access to people with LEP, federal agencies, like HUD, that receive federal funds must take reasonable steps to ensure LEP individuals can use their services. HUD’s decision to only provide materials in English could potentially violate Title VI, because it creates a barrier for people based on national origin.
Caroline Griffin, PHRC Director of Fair Housing and Commercial Property, emphasized the harm this decision could cause: “When information is only available in English, families who speak other languages may not know that discrimination has happened to them, may not know where to go for help, or may fear coming forward. This silences entire communities and creates barriers to achieving housing justice. Justice cannot exist if people are excluded from the information that protects them.”
PHRC urges HUD to reconsider its decision and to ensure that all residents—regardless of the language they speak—have the tools they need to understand and exercise their rights under the Fair Housing Act.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.