In its meeting Tuesday, the Alachua County Commission discussed new policies that aim to help those with limited English proficiency (LEP) be included in local activities.
The commission unanimously passed the second phase of Alachua’s Language Access Policy, which works towards breaking down language barriers within the community.
The new policies and procedures are meant to promote county inclusivity and diversity in compliance with translation services required under Title VI and Executive Order 13166.
Immigrant and Language Access Coordinator Gracia Fernandez said Alachua County departments will retain the flexibility to choose between certified professional language vendors or in-house interpreters in tune with their specific situations.
“This approach allows for tailored solutions that can effectively address language needs across various departments and service areas,” she said.
Determining the languages in highest demand will require the examination of multiple sources of data, which Fernandez said will include UF and K-12 student primary languages along with requests received through the Combined Communications Center to increase “cultural competence” within county operations.
The policy’s next steps begin with translating vital notices and legal documents, and displaying translations on the county website, she said.
From hurricane emergency notices to community event alerts, she said the initiative aims to break language barriers and cultivate an environment where all residents can experience community engagement.
Gainesville Immigrant Neighbor Inclusion Initiative Coordinator Ethan Maia de Needell advocated for the policy’s implementation during public comment.
The organization’s GINI initiative surveys found that 30% of the county’s immigrant population did not feel included in their community.
“A quarter of respondents felt that we as a community needed to do more to address concerns over safety, racism and xenophobia, and nearly half of respondents mark language as their greatest obstacle towards feeling safe in Alachua County,” he said.
Maia De Needell said a commitment on the part of the county commission, county manager and public facing departments to support language access is required for Fernandez’s proposal to work.
While supportive of the policy, Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler raised concern over the extent of language integration.
“I’d like to be able to speak Spanish, but at the same time, when we're trying to integrate people into the community, we really want them to speak English too,” she said. “We want to be able to communicate and learn for our own benefit, but for the benefit of the people coming into the community we really need to encourage English speaking.”
However, Commissioner Mary Alford emphasized the importance of translation services, which she said are essential in all emergency notices, especially regarding natural disasters.
The next Alachua County Commission meeting will take place July 9.
Contact Morgan Vanderlaan at mvanderlaan@alligator.org. Follow her on X @morgvande.
Morgan Vanderlaan is a first-year Political Science and English major and the City and County Commission Reporter for The Alligator. When she’s not on the clock, she can be found watching, writing and reciting theatre!
