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Advocacy News and Announcements
Our Mission and Core Values
As an organization, our mission is “To serve as a leading organization in Arizona for English language professionals at all levels to network, advocate, and develop professionally”.
March 1, 2025 Executive Order
The recent Executive Order Designating English as the Official Language of The United States issued on March 1, 2025, which designates English as the official language of the United States, is deeply concerning. This order rescinds the August 11, 2000, Executive Order: Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.
This executive order undermines everything we stand for. AZTESOL firmly opposes this measure and believes it undermines our values as educators, advocates, and supporters of multilingual communities.
Official Statement From AZTESOL
AZTESOL opposes the U.S. Presidential Executive Order issued on March 1, 2025. As an organization committed to the educational and emotional development of multilingual learners of English, we view this order as harmful and regressive. It threatens access to equitable learning opportunities and erodes the inclusive, multilingual foundation essential to our communities.
Harmful Implications
The March 1, 2025, Executive Order represents more than a policy change. It reinforces harmful ideologies that:
- Marginalize speakers of other languages
- Create barriers to economic participation and civic engagement
- Undermine community cohesion
- Silence voices that contribute meaningfully to Arizona’s culture and future
AZTESOL recognizes the potential long-term damage this order could cause—not only to learners, but to the fabric of our state and nation.
Multicultural Education in Arizona
Linguistic Diversity and Arizona’s Heritage
While Arizona does legally designate English as the official language of the state, AZTESOL acknowledges the rich linguistic history that predates English in this region. Indigenous languages, Spanish, and languages spoken by immigrant communities have long been part of Arizona’s cultural fabric.
AZTESOL stands in solidarity with the speakers of these languages—regardless of immigration status—and affirms their right to exist, thrive, and contribute to our society.
The Importance of Valuing Home Languages
Decades of educational research confirm that:
- Valuing and incorporating students’ home languages enhances the acquisition of English.
- Supporting linguistic diversity promotes emotional and psychological wellbeing.
- Bilingual education outperforms English-only education in terms of academic outcomes and graduation rates.
- Multilingualism provides economic, social, and cognitive advantages for students and the broader society.
AZTESOL rejects English-only models—such as those endorsed under Proposition 203—and continues to advocate for high-quality, bilingual education that supports the whole child.
Upholding Language Rights and Cultural Identity
AZTESOL asserts that all individuals have the inherent right to their:
- Home language(s)
- Literacies
- Culture(s)
This is not only an educational belief, but a fundamental human rights issue. Respecting and protecting linguistic diversity strengthens communities, preserves heritage, and empowers individuals.
In Solidarity With Language Rights Organizations
AZTESOL proudly aligns itself with organizations advocating for language rights and multilingual education. We support the vital work of English language educators and urge our community to explore these partner organizations and their positions.
Links to these organizations and their position statements are provided below.
Center for Applied Linguistics
National Association for Bilingual Education
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages International Association