Suspended for Language part 1

It is still fresh in my mind and makes me livid at the thought. The fact that America has not grown out of its fascination with isolation.

November 2005, a Kansas City, Kansas teen was suspended from school for speaking Spanish in a high school’s hallway. He was overheard speaking to a fellow student outside of class by a teacher and immediately sent to the Principal’s office. Soon after, Principal Jennifer Watts sent 16 year old Zach Rubio home for the misconduct, suspending him for 1 ½ days.

Endeavor Alternative High School called Lorenzo Rubio (the boy‘s father) on November 28, 2005 to notify him of the suspension.

"So I went to the principal and said, 'My son, he's not suspended for fighting, right? He's not suspended for disrespecting anyone. He's suspended for speaking Spanish in the hall?' So I asked her to show me the written policy about that. But they didn't have" one.

Turner’s School District Superintendent Bobby Allen reversed the decision as soon as he heard the news.

A lawsuit was filed December 9 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas against the Turner School District, Bobby Allen, Turner Board of Education, Jim Ernst, Linda Ingram, Joy Barry, Teresa Tillery, Betty Gibson, Brad Stuart, Teresa Juaraz, Jennifer Watts, Susan Serzyski, and DOE’s 1-5 which cannot be determined at this time . The District has 90 days to respond to the lawsuit claiming five counts of violations of the civil rights of Rubio.

This case is a clear example of the misconceptions still present in America about how or when  speaking the English language should be enforced. 

I agree with Rita Valenciano, president of the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations (COHO) and Director of the Assistance to Parents of Youth Organization (APOYO) when she  said at a recent press conference in the Turner School District Offices that "This is not an isolated event, nor is it confined to the borders of Kansas City, nor is it limited to just Spanish-speaking students. Speaking more than one language is a plus, that should be recognized and enhanced, rather than a behavioral problem that must be punished."

America is consistently pushing away from encouraging its citizenry to become multi-lingual, a definite asset in today's ever expanding global community. Our Country cannot continue to believe that it will hold onto its prowess by isolating its people through language. Though English continues to be one of the  international languages for business, it is never safe to say that it will have a secure position in the future.

An Interview with the Plaintiff's Attorney Chukwuemek Chionuma has been requested.

Interviews will be requested of  the  Defendant's Attorney Greg Goheen, Ohio State Representative Courtney Combs, and California's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Comments

[PAOLITA]

I LIKED YOUR WRITING A LOT. IT WAS A GOOD REFUTE AGAINST THOSE THAT BELIEVE WE SHOULD ONLY SPEAK ONE LANGUAGE. GOOD SOURCES WERE USED AND THE STORY MADE IT MORE INTERESTING FOR ME TO KEEP READING ;). GOOD JOB!

[John]

This language thing sounds like more intolerance from the heartland that will leave progressive intellectuals shaking their heads in dismay, but it certainly is not an epidemic. Spanish speakers are actively encouraged to retain their language and heritage here in South Florida, and are fostered through most media outlets. Some people are even trying to get Spanish taught in elementary schools. In this region, it's almost as important to know Spanish as it is for the large Spanish-speaking population here to learn English.

That said, your article raises an important and neglected issue, and I hope more people catch on to this story and that the principal loses her job.

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