An open letter from Kristin Quinlan, CEO of CLI and co-chair of the Advocacy and Standards Committee in the Association of Language Companies (ALC)
Less than a month into the Trump Administration’s second term, the policies and signals coming out of Washington, D.C., are raising legitimate concerns for many of us who are strong proponents of and advocates for language access — not to mention the approximately 70 million people in the U.S. who speak a primary language other than English.
So, in response, I want to be clear. CLI believes unequivocally that language access is a human right. This will not change regardless of the policymakers in Washington. We remain committed to the role we play in helping people communicate across language barriers. This is especially critical in settings like healthcare, where effective communication can mean the difference between life and death. Every day, our team is dedicated to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their language, has the same access to essential services and opportunities as their English-speaking neighbors.
We’ve been hearing from those in our community that these current challenges feel unprecedented. Yet, I remain encouraged that through continued partnerships and advocacy, the language services industry and those we serve will continue to thrive. But now, more than ever, it’s crucial for everyone to stay engaged.
Here are some important language advocacy groups and events I encourage you to seek out, get involved with, and support:
- Association of Language Companies (ALC)
- ALC’s Advocacy Day
- National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)
- National Language Access Advocates Network (N-LAAN)
- National Health Law Program
- Globalization and Localization Association (GALA)
We will continue to closely monitor changes to existing laws that impact language access and work unwaveringly to maintain a welcoming environment where no one is excluded or underserved based on the language they speak. Language should never be a barrier to receiving care, understanding information, or accessing services. And we will continue our advocacy work to protect and enhance equitable language access for all.
CLI is grateful for our employees, interpreters, partners, customers, and industry colleagues who share this mission. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Together, we can ensure that language will always be a bridge and not a barrier.
In solidarity,
Kristin Quinlan, CEO
Certified Languages International
