The U.S. Department of Justice released guidance to federal agencies on July 14 on how to comply with President Trump鈥檚 Executive Order 14224 from March, designating English as the official language of the U.S. and revoking Executive Order 13166 from 2000 aimed at improving language access. While experts on English-learner education saw no immediate effects for K-12 schools, they say the new guidance, alongside several recent federal policy changes this year affecting English learners, raises concerns about the broader implications of EO 14224 for public education.
鈥淭he Department of Justice will lead a coordinated effort to minimize non-essential multilingual services, redirect resources toward English-language education and assimilation, and ensure compliance with legal obligations through targeted measures where necessary,鈥 said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a memo to federal agencies. The department advises agencies, where legally permitted, to determine which of their programs, grants, and policies could be better served by operating exclusively in English.
As experts await further guidance, they are already concerned that schools may pursue English-only instruction for English learners and fall short in meeting families鈥 needs for translation and interpreting services.
鈥淲e鈥檙e put in a position where we want you to learn English, but at the same time, we鈥檙e going to de-emphasize anything that will help provide you the opportunity to learn English,鈥 said Jeff Hutcheson, director of advocacy and public policy at the TESOL International Association, which focuses on English-language teaching.
EducationWeek (7/18/25) By Ileana Najarro