Incorporating Language Justice into Policy

In a city as diverse as Denver, language should never be a barrier to a child’s education or a parent’s ability to advocate for their student. Yet for many years, non-English-speaking families struggled to access critical information about their children’s schooling due to a lack of translation services and inclusive communication policies. Michelle Quattlebaum was a leading voice in institutionalizing language justice within DPS, ensuring that district-wide communications, parent engagement opportunities, and school resources are available in multiple languages. This policy guarantees that non-English-speaking families have equitable access to decision-making processes, helping to foster a stronger relationship between schools and communities. By prioritizing language equity, DPS has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that every family, regardless of their native language, can fully participate in their child’s education. This initiative is not just about translation—it is about recognizing and valuing the voices of all families in the educational system.