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In the last couple of months, we've seen a number of "Dear Colleague" letters regarding accessibility announced by various US administrative agencies, like the Department of Justice and the Department of Education, either individually or jointly. The most recent "Dear Colleague" letter (attached below) was issued jointly by the Justice Department and the Department of Education on May 19, 2023, regarding digital accessibility in higher education.
So what's a "Dear Colleague" letter and what is its purpose?
"Dear Colleague" letters sent by a US government agency are:
- official correspondence
- named for their opening salutation
- a form of guidance document; not a regulation
- used to help the agency disseminate information to the public and the regulated community in plain language
- statements on public policy that summarize legal requirements, regulations, and the law, which may include resources useful to the regulated community
- a way of giving an overview of what the agency will do and how it will regulate.
"Dear Colleague" letters are commonplace and used regularly by the US Department of Education and the US Department of Justice. To see these letters go to the homepage of either agency and search the site for "Dear Colleague" letters.
