ACTFL stands against the recent White House Executive Order designating English as the official language of the United States, a concerning development that sends an exclusionary message to millions of Americans. Indeed, the President's Executive Order rescinds Executive Order 13166 of August 11, 2000, which was specifically written to "[Improve] Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency." While there is little doubt that English proficiency is valuable for communication and economic opportunity, policies that formally elevate one language at the expense of others fail to recognize the rich linguistic diversity that has long been a strength of our nation.
ACTFL President Milton Alan Turner notes, “Designating English as an official language is intended to have a chilling effect on speakers of other languages. We should be affirming the multilingual heritage of our country and ensuring that all citizens and residents can fully participate in society. Official English almost always equals English Only.”
From its founding, the United States has been a linguistically diverse country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 67 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home. These languages are not just remnants of cultural heritage; they are active, living foundation of communities that contribute to the economic, educational, and social fabric of our country. To designate English as the official language sends a message that certain communities are less valued, which is both divisive and counterproductive.
From an educational perspective, this policy may also contribute to the erosion of bilingual education programs and language access initiatives that help students from diverse linguistic backgrounds succeed. Studies have consistently shown that bilingualism offers cognitive, economic, and social benefits—and that such language and accompanying social skills are highly sought by U.S. employers. ACTFL urges that, instead of limiting language access, the United States should be investing in programs that encourage multilingualism as a skill that enhances economic opportunity, strengthens national security, and fosters international diplomacy.
“Our research shows that 90% of American employers actively rely on individuals with skills in languages other than English, and that demand is on the rise. This is not the time to focus on how we as American citizens can be made more alike, but rather how we can celebrate the unique talents we each contribute to uplifting and enhancing our society,” shares ACTFL Executive Director Lawrence M. Paska, Ph.D., CAE.
We should embrace an approach that values all languages spoken in the United States. While English proficiency should be encouraged and supported, this should not be done in a way that marginalizes those who speak other languages.
We urge policymakers to reconsider the implications of this Executive Order and to pursue initiatives that support, rather than diminish, linguistic diversity. Recognizing multiple languages is not a sign of weakness or division—it is a testament to our country’s strength, resilience, and enduring commitment to a strong future.
For more information about ACTFL, please contact headquarters@actfl.org.
Co-signer Organizations to this Statement:
- American Association of Teachers of French - Wisconsin Chapter
- American Association of Teachers of German-Wisconsin Chapter
- American Association of University Supervisors, Coordinators, and Directors of Language Programs (AAUSC)
- AATSP-WI: American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese - Wisconsin Chapter
- Central States Languages For All
- Coalition of Community-Based Heritage Language Schools
- CT Council of Language Teachers (CT COLT)
- Foreign Language Association of Georgia
- Foreign Language Association of Missouri (FLAM)
- ICTFL (Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
- Kansas World Language Association
- MAFLA (Massachusetts World Language Teachers Association)
- National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages
- Pacific Northwest Council for Languages - PNCFL
- PSMLA (PA State Modern Language Association)
- Southern Conference on Language Teaching
- Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers