English-Only Rules Thinking of limiting your workers to speaking only the English language in your workplace? Or of not hiring workers who don’t speak English? Think twice. You may run afoul of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. English-only rules constitute unlawful discrimination based on national origin when applied at all times and not justified by business necessity. Also unlawful is refusing to hire workers who speak no English -- unless the ability to speak English is necessary for the job. A private university in Texas paid dearly for its English-only rules. It had required Hispanic housekeepers to speak only English while at work -- even during lunch and other breaks. The university recently paid $2.44 million to settle a class action brought by 18 Hispanic housekeepers. We can help you limit English-only rules so they’ll withstand scrutiny. Contact | Legal Disclaimer