Letter: English can’t be forced on Spanish speakers

Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007 | 6:47 a.m.

In response to the letter by David Crowell ("English proficiency essential to future," Sunday), I begin by saying he's right, in one respect. Students must learn English to survive, earn a living and succeed in the United States.

The question is, at what cost? Does a superintendent of schools have the power to limit students' rights to free speech? Is it contrary to what these same students are being taught in their American history classes to compel them to speak only English outside of the school? Does the superintendent's power and the School Board's approval to control students' personal speech extend that far? If so, where does it end? Will the next step be an English Only School Police Force that monitors student speech at home?

Mr. Crowell said that when overseas he encountered people who are bilingual, speaking their native language and English. Imagine that! An educated population that values the need to communicate in a language other than its own.

This entire situation began because of the inability of two adults to comprehend another's language, jumping to the conclusion that the students were being "disrespectful," while admitting they had no idea what was being said. This leads to the question: Who really needs to be educated more?

Joel Rector, North Las Vegas

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