Kentucky’s Unemployment Insurance division resolves allegations of discrimination made by US Labor Department

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Civil Rights Center and the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, Division of Unemployment Insurance have entered into an agreement to resolve allegations that the state failed to provide adequate language assistance services to those with limited English proficiency to allow meaningful access to Kentucky’s unemployment services.

The department’s investigation focused on whether KOET’s unemployment insurance program violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. CRC found KOET did not take reasonable steps to provide individuals with limited English proficiency with meaningful access to unemployment insurance benefits, programs, services and information. By entering into a conciliation agreement, KOET demonstrates its commitment to correcting this situation.

Under the terms of the conciliation agreement, KOET’s Division of Unemployment Insurance will:

• Assess the language needs of the limited English proficiency populations it serves by identifying the highest-demand languages and specific needs of these populations at the state and local level.
• Develop and implement a language access plan that details how KOET will provide meaningful access to the LEP populations it serves.
• Correct deficiencies in translations of written materials, including Web pages and online filing systems, by identifying vital written materials (those that are necessary to understand, access, and receive benefits and/or services) and translating and disseminating those materials.
• Provide training to all staff on language access obligations and provide meaningful access to those with limited English proficiency through language assistance services.
• Publicize the availability of language assistance.

This settlement demonstrates the department’s commitment to vigorous enforcement of the laws that protect all Americans who seek services provided by American Job Centers. The department acknowledges KOET’s commitment to non-discrimination and its willingness to address these allegations affirmatively and cooperatively.

CRC administers and enforces laws that apply to recipients of financial assistance under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and its predecessor, the Workforce Investment Act; American Job Center partners listed in WIOA/WIA Section 121(b) that offer programs or activities through the workforce development system; state and local governments and other public entities operating programs and activities related to labor and the workforce; and any other recipients of financial assistance from, or programs conducted by, the department.

For more information about CRC, call (202) 693-6500 (voice) or 800-877-8339 (relay) or go to http://www.dol.gov/crc/.