"They call it
"English for the Children," but the backers of this initiative
don't seem to really be concerned about children. They are putting a lot
of money behind the effort to end
bilingual education. This money could better be used to improve education for
bilingual children, including better bilingual library
resources in the schools, instead of dismantling bilingual
programs," says Isabel Espinal,
who was designated by the
chapter to be the contact on this issue."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2002
Contact Person: Isabel Espinal
iespinal@library.umass.edu
Northeast Chapter, REFORMA
National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to
Latinos and the Spanish Speaking
http://reforma-northeast.org
Library Association Opposes Unz Initiative in Massachusetts; Urges Public to get
Informed
A library association dedicated to serving Latinos and the Spanish Speaking in
six northeastern states has officially taken a position against the Unz
Initiative in Massachusetts, which will be voted on in this November's election.
At its most recent meeting, members of the Northeast Chapter of REFORMA, the
National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and
the Spanish Speaking, voted to adopt a resolution opposing "An Act Relative
to the Teaching of English in Public Schools," [AG Petition #01-11],
popularly known as the "Unz Initiative" restricting bilingual
education, and also known as "English for the Children."
A spokesperson for the Northeast Chapter of Reforma urges the voters in
for the Children," but the backers of this initiative don't seem to really
be concerned about children. They are putting a lot of money behind the effort
to end bilingual education. This money could better be used to improve education
for bilingual children, including better bilingual library resources in the
schools, instead of dismantling
bilingual programs," says Isabel Espinal, who was designated by the chapter
to be the contact on this issue.
In the resolution, the association further took a stance opposing all measures
that deny the language rights of Latinos and the Spanish Speaking in the
The full text of the resolution is attached and is available on the web
at http://reforma-northeast.org/UnzResolution.htm
Reforma Northeast Chapter Resolution Against Restricting Language Rights
of Latinos
Whereas the Northeast Chapter of Reforma is a professional library association
with a mission to promote information services to Latinos and the Spanish
speaking in the northeastern United States, including the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts; and
whereas the Massachusetts 2002 ballot initiative, "An Act Relative to the
Teaching of English in Public Schools," also known as the Unz Initiative or
"English for the Children," is a mis-leading measure that would limit
the language development and language freedom of Latino children; and
whereas the Unz Initiatives have unduly targeted Latinos and the Spanish
Speaking in the United States; and
whereas the Unz Initiative in Massachusetts would restrict bilingual education
in most circumstances to only one year, and threaten teachers and school
employees with punitive damages should they follow a different educational
philosophy; and
whereas Reforma is not against English, is committed to bilingualism, and
supports effective English instruction for all Latino children and adults; and
whereas many of the clients of Reforma librarians show a preference for Spanish
services or are unable to fully learn English in only one year, and most people
are unable to fully learn any language in only one year; and
whereas limiting Spanish and bilingual education in the schools results in
limiting library services to Spanish speaking children and families; and
whereas Reforma is dedicated to intellectual freedom and believes that language
freedom is an important component of intellectual freedom, as documented in the
American Library Association’s policy [53.3.1] on Linguistic Pluralism:
"The American Library Association opposes all language laws, legislation,
and regulations which restrict the rights of citizens who speak and read
languages other than English, and those language laws, legislation, and
regulations which abridge pluralism and diversity in library collections and
services. The Association works with state associations and other agencies
devising ways to counteract restrictions arising from existing language laws and
regulations, and encourages and supports the provision of library resources and
services
in the languages in common use in each community in the United States";
therefore be it resolved that Reforma Northeast Chapter oppose the 2002 Unz
Initiative in Massachusetts titled "An Act Relative to the Teaching of
English in Public Schools," [AG Petition #01-11] and oppose all measures
that deny the language rights of Latinos and the Spanish Speaking in the United
States.
Be it further resolved that Reforma Northeast Chapter circulate this resolution
to its membership, to other Reforma Chapters and Reforma National, to other
professional organizations, to the general public, and to appropriate public
officials.
Adopted