Welcome back to “The Unify Brief,” where we track the latest developments shaping the nation. Here’s what you need to know this week.
English is the official language of the U.S.
On March 1, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States, a first in the nation’s history.
This order revokes Executive Order 13166, issued in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, which required federal agencies to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency. Now, federal agencies are no longer mandated to offer services in languages other than English, though they may continue to do so at their discretion.
Proponents argue that establishing a national language promotes unity and streamlines government operations. Critics contend that this move marginalizes non-English-speaking communities by hindering their access to essential services and participation in civic life.
Local: Colorado’s most popular languages spoken at home (Axios)
National: Trump signs executive order making English the official language of the U.S. (NPR)
What other college campuses have to say: As of Saturday, March 8, no college campuses have reported on this development.
Trump imposes tariffs on Canada and Mexico
At the start of his second presidency, Trump planned to impose substantial tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. On Feb. 1, he signed executive orders enacting 25% tariffs on all Mexican goods and most Canadian goods. These measures were justified by the administration as efforts to address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking, primarily that of fentanyl, into the U.S.
The tariffs were initially set to take effect on Feb. 4 but were postponed following negotiations. Canada and Mexico agreed to enhance border security measures, leading to a one-month delay. The U.S. proceeded with implementing the tariffs on March 4. Following discussions with auto-manufacturers and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Trump extended relief for goods covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on March 6.
These developments have raised concerns about potential disruptions to North American supply chains and increased consumer prices across the continent. The escalating trade tensions have also affected diplomatic relations and could disproportionately impact marginalized communities by driving up prices of essential goods, making everyday necessities less affordable for low-income families. Additionally, job losses in industries reliant on cross-border trade could hit immigrant communities the hardest.
Local: Trump’s tariffs are estimated to cost Colorado $1.4 billion a year. Consumers could feel the pain soon (The Colorado Sun)
National: Trump changes course and delays some tariffs on Mexico and Canada (AP News)
What other college campuses have to say: Former Mexican Foreign Secretary Talks Impact of Presidential ‘Personalities’ on U.S.-Mexico Relations (The Harvard Crimson)
Trump executive order targets prominent law firms
On March 6, President Trump issued executive orders targeting law firms such as Perkins Coie and Covington & Burling, known for representing his political adversaries. These orders revoke the security clearances of attorneys associated with these firms by restricting their access to federal facilities and mandating reviews of their government contracts.
Legal experts express concern that these actions may infringe upon First Amendment rights such as free speech, political expression and undermine the independence of legal representation. The American Bar Association (ABA) has condemned these measures, emphasizing the potential threat they pose to constitutional principles and the rule of law.
By potentially deterring law firms from representing clients opposing the administration, these orders could impact access to justice and the overall integrity of the legal system. By targeting law firms that challenge the administration, this could limit access to fair representation for vulnerable groups, making it harder to fight discriminatory policies, wrongful convictions and government overreach.
Local: Trump expands clash with law firms with order against Perkins Coie (The Gazette)
National: Trump’s orders targeting law firms raise constitutional concerns, experts say (Reuters)
What other college campuses have to say: As of Saturday, March 8, no college campuses have reported on this development.
Take Action:
- Support state and local policies in Colorado that ensure government services, healthcare and education remain accessible to non-English speakers by contacting state lawmakers and participating in advocacy groups such as Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC).
- Stand in solidarity with local industries in Colorado by shopping locally and advocating for fair trade practices through organizations like the Colorado Farm Bureau.
- Support Colorado-based legal organizations like the ACLU of Colorado that provide pro-bono services and advocate for the protection of civil rights, particularly for marginalized communities facing discrimination or legal challenges in light of recent political changes.
At DU:
- Encourage DU students and faculty to push for more inclusive policies on campus, such as multilingual support in academic resources and student services, ensuring non-English speakers can fully participate in campus life. Consider joining or supporting organizations like DU’s Spanish Club.
