English vs. Spanish: A Question of Racism?

By John W. Lillpop


In a rare show of wisdom several years ago, California voters passed Proposition 227 to abolish most forms of bilingual education. The premise was simple: When English is not spoken in the home, youngsters are at a decided disadvantage, and must, therefore, receive intensive English instruction elsewhere.

Coddling non-English speaking youngsters with bilingual instruction at school was correctly seen as counterproductive.

Unfortunately, some Hispanic educators refuse to abide by the law and continue to teach in Spanish. One such so-called educator was recently recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by a San Diego school district. Pancho, which is not his real name, proclaimed it his duty to instruct Hispanics in their native tongue, and hailed this defiance of state law as a major macho accomplishment.

Were it not for the fact that California’s educational system is so infested with liberals, Pancho would have been fired and his teaching credentials permanently revoked.

By refusing to expose his students to the language needed to succeed in America, Pancho should be arrested and charged with child endangerment/abuse.

As an educator, Pancho should know that California now requires students to pass a test in order to graduate from high School. One of the test subjects: English proficiency.

Do you get that, Pancho? English, not Spanish, is a requirement for high school graduation in California. The state does not test for Spanish proficiency because English is the predominate language in California and throughout America.

Pancho probably considers those who want English to be the official American language to be "racist." However, I am sure he does not see himself as being racist for preferring Spanish to English.

In fact, Pancho most likely believes that his defiance of state law is perfectly justified because bilingual education means diversity—and everyone knows diversity is enriching and good.

California parents, please remember this: English proficiency is required to graduate high school. Spanish proficiency is required to pick fruit and
operate leaf blowers. Which future do you want for your child?

John W. Lillpop is a recovering liberal.