The English Language Controversy

An influx of immigrants entered the United States during the last decade of the twentieth century. The Washington Post reported in August of 2001 that "immigrants - and births to immigrants - account for most U.S. population growth over the decade" (Cohn, A01). An ever increasing number of Americans are foreign born or are born to non-natives and do not speak English proficiently or at all. The 2000 U.S. Census documented that 10.5 million Americans speak little or no English. This figure has skyrocketed from 6.5 million based on the 1990 census. The surge in Americans with limited English proficiency (LEP) has caused turbulence as the U.S. evolves into a nation of linguistic diversity. This turbulence is evident in the country's courtrooms, schools and government offices. Many Americans celebrate linguistic diversity while others view it as detrimental to the nation's unity. Much controversy has arisen from the question of whether English should be the country's official language. Proponents of legislature that supports the English language believe that a common language is necessary to achieve a unified and efficient American system. Opponents of pro-English legislature seek to promote multiculturalism and bilingualism as staples of American life. Both groups have sought legislature and reforms that advanced their objectives.

Ayn Rand commented that "a country must have one official language, if men are to understand each other." The question of whether Americans should be required to understand English was raised recently when former President Clinton issued Executive Order 13166. Executive Order 13166 directs federal agencies to accommodate and provide services for non-English speakers in any language of their choice. The order states that "each federal agency shall examine the services it provides and develop and implement a system by which LEP persons can meaningfully access those services consistent with, and without unduly burdening, the fundamental mission of the agency." Non-compliance with the order by federal agencies is considered "violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

Opponents of the order have argued that too much expense will be incurred if federal agencies are required to provide services in multiple languages. Translators will have to be hired, and new agency literature will have to be created and printed for every language common in a region. In some regions of the United States, the order will require translators and materials for as many as thirty languages. K.C. McAlpin, the executive director of Pro English, commented in his statement to the Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee that "the scope of Executive Order is almost universal" and that "the economic impact...of such compulsory multilinguism is beyond calculation." McAlpin argued against Executive Order 13166, stating that "in a nation in which 97 percent of the population speaks English it is obvious that non-English speakers will be under some handicap with regard to communication." U.S. Representative Bob Stump introduced H.R. 969, a bill that overturns Executive Order 13166. Forty other U.S. representatives are co-sponsoring the bill. Clearly, many Americans are alarmed by the potential impact of Executive Order 13166.

Stump is a long-time proponent of English. In 1999, he introduced H.R. 50, the Official Language Act, which declares English to be the official language of the United States. The act provides that naturalization ceremonies and elections are to be held only in English and repeals bilingual education. H.R. 50 had nine other supporters in the House of Representatives. Congress did not approve H.R. 50. It is expected that Stump will re-introduce the bill during the 107^th session of Congress.

Presently, the decision on whether English should be the official language of Americans is left up to the discretion of individual states. Twenty-four states have declared English to be their official language. Three other states have introduced and debated legislation that would make English the state's official language. It has been suggested that such legislation is merely a symbolic gesture and has little impact on how state governments operate.

The case of Alexander v. Sandoval addressed issues raised by Alabama's declaration of English as the official state language. Martha Sandoval, a Spanish-speaking alien, was enraged after the state's refusal to give her the driver's license test in Spanish. She filed suit, claiming that she had been discriminated against according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Her suit was successful in the District Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals but was reversed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's reversal had a monumental impact on the pro English movement. Basically, the Supreme Court's decision violated and invalidated Executive Order 13166 by refusing to compensate Sandoval for alleged discrimination by the state of Alabama when they did not provide services in Spanish.

It is unknown what the current administration's views on the pro English controversy are. President Bush has not rescinded Executive Order 13166 to date. It appears that Bush may have courted the Hispanic vote by broadcasting his weekly radio address in English and Spanish.

Another arena in which the English only controversy has had an impact is the nation's schools. Bilingual education is a system embraced by many but fiercely opposed by others. Some early supporters of bilingual education have withdrawn their support. Proponents of bilingual education claim that instruction in two languages in necessary to help children retain their cultural identities and native language. Opponents insist that bilingual education handicaps children by not providing comprehensive instruction in English. They claim knowledge of English is necessary for successful immersion into American society, and that providing instruction in other languages is detrimental to that success. One wealthy entrepreneur, Ron Unz, has founded "English for the Children", an organization that promotes the eradication of bilingual education. Unz's efforts have not been in vain. California and Arizona have banned bilingual education and now support English immersion programs for students in their school systems. Colorado voters attempted to end bilingual education in 2000, but the state's Supreme Court thwarted their efforts.

The pro English movement is certainly vocal. Groups like Pro English, U.S. English and English First have lent their support to congressional efforts to declare English the official language of the U.S. Outspoken English language advocate Phyllis Schlafly comments that we must "respect and legislate English as our national language."The question of whether English should be our common language has provoked much dissension among Americans. Many Americans remain committed to establishing English as our national language. Perhaps British Prime Minister Winston Churchill stated most eloquently that "the gift of a common tongue is a priceless inheritance." Whether future Americans will benefit from that inheritance remains to be seen, as the English language controversy escalates in our nation's schools and courtrooms.