Arizona Student Suspended for Harassing Spanish Speakers Files Lawsuit By Rich Valdes, The Washington Times Communities

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Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - A-List on Americanism by Rich Valdes
NEW YORK, July, 24 2013 — A community college nursing student in
Arizona was suspended for harassing Spanish-speaking students in her
class. Now Terri Bennett is suing the community college; the college
states that her rights were not in any way infringed upon.
Bennett, 50, was suspended for harassing Spanish speaking students in
her nursing class. Her lawsuit claims that the use of Spanish by other
students in class created a hostile learning environment for her. Bennet
sued Pima Community College for allowing students to spake Spanish in
the classroom.
SEE RELATED: Obama courts Hispanic support using ‘jobs’ pretext,
Leaders skeptical
Is America still free? Perhaps not, if you don’t speak English. Recent
headlines highlighted a blizzard of discriminatory, anti-Hispanic remarks
on Twitter, targeting American-born Latin/Pop singer Marc Anthony for
singing “God Bless America” at the Major League Baseball All Star game.
Bennet’s lawsuit is yet another example of hostility to people who use
Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish
speakers files lawsuit
Photo: AP
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2. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
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languages other than English.
What happened to America being a melting pot? What happened to the
Bill of Rights that affords Americans Fist Amendment rights to free
speech? Isn’t speech in Spanish still speech? What’s happened to the
“mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and
her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide
welcome,” as inscribed on the tablet held by our Statue of Liberty?
Conservatives and Libertarians argue against government intrusion into
personal life; the government-run college did not interfere in the personal
lives of students who were speaking Spanish in the classroom, nor would
they impose an English-only rule just because one student in a no doubt
crowded classroom had a gripe.
America has faced these challenges before. In 1794, a German-speaking
congressman and his constituents from Augusta County, Virginia,
presented a petition to Congress to have a “certain proportion” of U.S.
laws translated and printed in German as well as English at the expense
of the federal government. In 1795 the proposal lost by a very close vote
of 42 to 41. Allowing students to speak Spanish in class is a far cry from a
congressional petition to have legislation printed in German, so why all the
controversy?
University of Illinois linguistics professor Denis Baron observed on PBS
that:
“Since that time, American nativists have sought to eradicate minority
languages and discourage bilingualism wherever it could be found: in
Maine and Louisiana, California and New Mexico, Hawaii and Puerto
Rico, as well as in Pennsylvania. Complaints about Germans as well as
other non-English-speakers became all too common in the last quarter of the 19th century, and again
during and after World War I, when the fear of immigrants and their languages prompted protective
English-only legislation.
“Many Americans considered non-Anglophones to be less than human: in 1904 a railroad president
told a congressional hearing on the mistreatment of immigrant workers, “These workers don’t suffer —
they don’t even speak English” (Shanahan, 1989.) Today as well there is opposition to non-
Anglophones and bilinguals — this time not Germans but Hispanic and Asian Americans.”
This apprehension toward those who speak languages other than English is not so much about history
repeating itself as it is fear of change, a fear of losing our identity or culture. Of course the problem is
not just fear of change. Benjamin Franklin said of the assimilation of Germans, “Why should
Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as
to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any
more than they can acquire our Complexion?” Clearly, anti-immigrant sentiment, whether it be culturally
preservationist or bigoted and discriminatory has been part of the fabric of our nation from the
beginning.
The stakes are much higher now than they have ever been before. The percentage of Hispanic high
school graduates enrolling in college has surpassed whites, and Hispanics in politics are increasing in
strength and numbers. For evidence of that, look no further than the recent elections Senators Ted
Cruz and Marco Rubio, and Governors Susanna Martinez and Brian Sandoval, as well as the
appointment of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. That Hispanics form families at a rate higher
than their black or white counterparts all but ensures that Hispanics are here to stay and grow in the
U.S.
The National Council of La Raza posted the following census data on their website: “Most Latinos are
native-born Americans, and nearly three in four Latinos (74 percent) are U.S. citizens. As of 2009, 62.7
percent of all Latinos are native-born Americans and 37.3 percent are foreign-born. Another 10.9
percent of Latinos are naturalized U.S. citizens. Hispanic children under age 18 are also more likely to
have been born in the U.S., with 92 percent being native-born Americans and 93 percent being U.S.
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citizens.”
With Hispanics on pace to remain the largest ethnic group in the U.S., this debate is sure to be
important to both Republicans and Democrats, who have been strategizing over who can stake claim of
this large and growing voting bloc. However, the battle for political real estate will hardly address the
fear of change or bigotry that is at the core of the underlying issue in this case and many others like it.
Leadership expert Andy Stanley has said that some problems can be solved, and some perceived
problems aren’t problems at all; they are tensions that don’t go away, such as work and life balance,
and therefore are tensions to be managed, not problems to be solved. In that vein, we need to manage
the tension of discrimination masquerading as fear or resistance to change. We must hope that just as
African Americans have succeeded despite oppression, that Hispanics and those who espouse anti-
Hispanic sentiment will soon also peaceably coexist and eradicate this “tension” for good so we can
progress as Americans despite our diverse ancestries.
About the author: Rich Valdes is a former official in New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s
Administration, an award-winning marketing director, and manager who has led staff and projects for
various colleges, state policy initiatives, celebrity entertainers, faith based organizations, and non-profit
charities. As a frequent TV, radio, and print media contributor, Rich’s commentary on social issues and
popular culture have been featured on Hot 97 FM, CNN Headline News, Telemundo, Univision, HHR
and Fox/My9. Rich attended New York University and is pursuing a master’s degree at Lincoln
University while raising his two young daughters and caring for his elderly father in the New York City
suburb of Bergen County, New Jersey.
Follow Rich Valdes on Twitter: @richvaldes
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com.
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• Reply •
Rich Valdes • a year ago
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Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and opinions; I genuinely appreciate the
dialog. Many of the comments made support the stated thesis; that, in the purview of
some, the freedom and liberties we expect as Americans are only available to those
that speak English.
The Arizona case does not state that the Spanish-speaking students were illegal
immigrants, nor that they were Mexican. The very idea of being afforded first
amendment rights is to ensure that we have the inalienable right to speak freely in a
constitutional republic such as ours, to challenge our government, and speak our
minds with no mention of doing it in a particular language.
I am not defending illeagal immigration, suporrting Amnesty, or advocating for Spanish
as a 2nd US language. But, the notion that more government regulation will remedy
the underlying root problem here is not consistent with libertarianism or conservatism.
It's a big-government'/liberal approach to analyzing this problem, and it supports the
progressive agenda to create a nanny-state; a government that solves the ills of its
people rather than a limited government that keeps out of the lives of its citizens
allowing them to lead their own lives. This case is merely a symptom of the problem at
hand; lamentably, there are many fellow Conservatives that harbor resentment toward
△ ▽
• Reply •
NJHuguenot • a year ago
My paternal grandfather and I spoke Calabrese to his mother because she didn't
speak English well. My Maternal Grandfather used to speak in Jersey Dutch to me.
But. We only used it at home. We were never rude enough to speak in a language that
others didn;t understand and make them feel excluded.
△ ▽
• Reply •
DonMann • a year ago
Melting pot is one thing, but becoming bean stew is another. Mr. Valdes, acts as
though his people just got off of the boat, well that is the problem. they didn't. We all
know what these 3rd world people bring with them. their 3rd world culture and all of
the ills that come with them.. The U.S. just celebrated it's 237 birthday and Mexico is
not that far behind, but after over 200 yrs of sovereignty, look at the country and it's
people.. Mr. Valdes, had better get used to the push back, because we are being
invaded and occupied, by Mr. Valdes 3rd world culture.. I as an American Citizen
whose family has been on these shores since 1773, with many of them fighting and
dying for this country, will stand with other American's to stop the INVASION and
OCCUPATION.. I will not just stand by and watch my homeland turn into theirs. with
all that comes with them.. NO Amnesty!! Stop The Invasion!!
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5. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 5/16
• Reply •
Legal__Immigrant • a year ago
"What happened to America being a melting pot?"
Valdes, unfortunately America has become a quilt instead of a melting pot. People
refuse to assimilate, especially the Hispanics. Everyone is Hispanic American,
Philippine American, African American. Funny, you don't hear "I'm a Black German" or
"Black French" over in Europe.
△ ▽
• Reply •
rsticks • a year ago
Melting pot means we are in one pot together Not a pot for English and another pot
for Spanish snd another pot for German and so on. One pot just Americans. No
hyphens. Speaking ENGLISH.
5 △ ▽
• Reply •
JudyGreenEyes • a year ago
An amendment making English (American) the official language of the USA would
solve this issue.
3 △ ▽
• Reply •
Legal__Immigrant • a year ago> JudyGreenEyes
The politicians don't have the political (gonads) fortitude to do this.
△ ▽
• Reply •
JudyGreenEyes • a year ago> Legal__Immigrant
Over 31 states have declared English as the "official" language. But you
are correct about the politicians (and they're supposed to be working
for the GOOD of our country). Thanks for immigrating, you have added
to the greatness of the USA. My gramps served in the German Army
(WW1) and not by choice. At his funeral service our National Anthem
and God Bless America were played at his request. My Dad (9 year old
immigrant) had a military funeral. Every time he heard the National
Anthem tears rolled down his cheeks. When I asked him why, he'd say,
"You just don't know how very lucky you kids are." He's right, we are.
△ ▽
• Reply •
Legal__Immigrant • a year ago> JudyGreenEyes
Your dad is absolutely correct in his statement. We take so
much for granted in this wonderful country. Sure we have our
problems and I think we are sinking deeper, BUT the USA is still
the greatest country in the world and we can kick the rudder to
correct our course. I tell the people who complain to just visit
other countries - even Mexico, and you'll come home
appreciating what the US is all about.
△ ▽
• Reply •
Andrew_S • a year ago
I think language is not the only problem here in the US and it can only get worse. But
that is American politics at it's best, part of federal policy is to create enmity from
enmity we get greater profits, from greater profits we get more control. From more
control we get more government, from more government we get more rules and of
course fees and taxation. The good thing is nothing has changed, the sad thing is
America is going backwards and fast gulagizing. Want to live in a gulag ?, if not then
stop being a consumer or get with the program, alienate everything. Heck half the
children in this country hate their own parents, never mind different flavors of human.
1 △ ▽
21st Century Pacifist • a year ago
Knowing another language should be encouraged, not harassed. I applaud the
courage of the college in suspending the nursing student that couldn't handle not
knowing Spanish. There is no exclusive requirement in this country for people to
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6. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 6/16
• Reply •
knowing Spanish. There is no exclusive requirement in this country for people to
speak any language.
Reality is that if you don't speak English in the USA, you are not going to be
successful. The argument that people should be forced to speak only English is a red
herring as the "marketplace" has already taken care of having to know English.
I find that when people complain about someone speaking a different language than
English, is because they are afraid they are talking about them. Stop your narcissism,
nobody cares about you, you are not that interesting.
2 △ ▽
• Reply •
Stephen Shelnutt • a year ago> 21st Century Pacifist
Actually, in a professional setting, if you tend to speak mainly in Spanish, your
clients (patients and their families) will believe that you are intentionally hiding
something from them (or else why would you not say it in a way that they can
understand it?) Perception--Yes. Possibly wrong perception--Yes, possibly
wrong perception that can harm the nurse-patient relationship? Definitely yes.
Now, if you were having a class called "professional Spanish for the health care
provider, then it would be appropriate to have most of the class in Spanish.
Your last paragraph accidentally states the problem. "I find that when people
complaint about someone speaking a different language than English, it
because they are afraid they are talking about them. Stop your narcissism,
nobody cares about you, you are not that interesting." You want to have a real-
world RN tell that to her critically ill patient or their family. I see the narcissism
in reverse. Nurses should strive for clear communications at all times. If there is
a possibility of misunderstanding, that should be avoided. The nursing students
who are talking in ways that one of their patients might have the feeling of
"being afraid they are talking about them" (which may be true) should have
known better.
1 △ ▽
• Reply •
Jim • a year ago
This "college" should lose its accreditation, assuming it has been accredited.
Jim
5 △ ▽
• Reply •
21st Century Pacifist • a year ago> Jim
I guess you also resent not knowing another language.
1 △ ▽
• Reply •
Stephen Shelnutt • a year ago> 21st Century Pacifist
I know three, but if I was a medical professional, I would not use a
language as a nurse that a patient or her family might not understand
and might perceive that I am hiding something from them by using a
foreign language in their presence. I am not that narcissistic, as one of
the posters said.
△ ▽
• Reply •
NJHuguenot • a year ago> 21st Century Pacifist
I have two, one not commonly spoken here but I don;t use them in front
of people who don't understand them. That;s plainly rude.
△ ▽
Jim • a year ago> 21st Century Pacifist
21st Century Pacifist-
The students who are being allowed to speak Spanish at the expense of
their using practical English are being cheated out of an important part
of their educations. The class should be taught in English and an
interpreter should be provided to help ease them through their
transitions. Your comment makes no sense - it is a non sequitur.
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7. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
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• Reply •
Jim
1 △ ▽
• Reply •
Keith • a year ago
The pot can't do much melting unless everyone speaks the same language. The
reason that people avoid learning/speaking English is a refusal to assimilate. And
that's just the way the liberals like it.
9 △ ▽
• Reply •
21st Century Pacifist • a year ago> Keith
You are showing either your illiteracy or your prejudices. This article and the
suspension of the student is not about whether people need to learn English,
try reading the article again, slowly.
The student was suspended because s-he decided to harass other students
because they were speaking Spanish. They obviously already knew English as
they were registered in college courses.
1 △ ▽
• Reply •
John Johnson • a year ago> 21st Century Pacifist
Community colleges accept students generally based on Pell grants. It's
about 70% of their operating funds. The educational standards are low,
very low. Most 4 year schools accept a 2.0 gpa, Community colleges
accept lower. You don't have to know English to be admitted...
△ ▽
• Reply •
Keith • a year ago> 21st Century Pacifist
Obviously you and I are both illiterate. I said "avoid learning/speaking".
Did you not read my comment? Can you refute the comment? No. So
you delve into the minutiae of the details to attempt gain a false
intellectual superiority. Sorry, that dog don't hunt with me. when you
make derogatory comments instead of debating my statement shows
that you operate on emotion and not intellect, i.e., typical liberal. --------
------------------------------------
2 △ ▽
• Reply •
JudyGreenEyes • a year ago> 21st Century Pacifist
My immigrant grandparents (and father) told me speaking a foreign
language in front of others who do not speak that language is RUDE.
Speak whatever language you want inside your home.
4 △ ▽
• Reply •
DonMann • a year ago> JudyGreenEyes
I agree Judy, but they think they're special. NOT!!
△ ▽
• Reply •
JudyGreenEyes • a year ago> DonMann
Thanks, Don. Neighbors on one side of me are immigrants from
Peru and struggled with English but now do pretty well. The
other side are from El Salvador and after 15 years are still limited
English speakers but we do greet each other. My neighbors from
China and VietNam do well, too. English is not an easy language
to learn, but it's the one thing that should be binding us together.
I would not want to be treated by a doctor/nurse who did not
speak English well enough for me to understand. Afterall, if I
can't understand them, who's to say they can understand me?
△ ▽
DonMann • a year ago> JudyGreenEyes
Judy, I work in IT and it's just as bad working with the East
Indians, we have conference calls and I have NO idea what they
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8. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 8/16
• Reply •
even say, so I tell them that the line is bad and to send an email..
We are being sold out on many fronts. Even when working with
them in the same room and I'm speaking to them, they say,
come again, we didn't get you..
△ ▽
• Reply •
JudyGreenEyes • a year ago> DonMann
HA HA! I'm retired but found out if a call (for prescription refill,
example) is answered in India & i can't understand the call taker,
ask for a speaker in the U.S. and it will be transferred back. An
employee of the company told me that trick & I've used it several
times. My nephew (IT) had the same problem you are having.
After 2 years of frustration the guys started keeping track of time
lost over miscommunication. They submitted it, the company
realized how much $$ they were losing and closed the IT end in
India. Guess other divisions still do other types of work. Perhaps
you could try that angle. Nephew is young guy (39) and the
stress was so bad he actually got the shingles (on Christmas
morning, no less)! Keep paying those taxes, my Social Security
needs it! Cheers, Judy
△ ▽
• Reply •
BlackGumTree • a year ago
Arizona law requires all classes to be conducted in English. Apparently the teacher
and school officials are unable to understand Arizona law because the laws are written
in English.
Those who immigrate to this country are expected to learn English so that they can
read and understand the laws.
While there is nothing wrong with speaking Spanish, in a public setting such as a
classroom where the students use different languages, English must be used as the
common language for all of them.
13 △ ▽
• Reply •
ARRRGGGHH • a year ago
Guess whose interest it is in for America to be divided into many sub-groups who
can't get along and would be at war with each other? All civic policy is manipulated
towards these ends, so that each group will be sure to vote for more government to
defend them from the other groups. It's a good thing that government is filled with
slothful, overpaid democrats since their republican counterparts are actually doing real
work out in the real world. Everyone's tax money is taken to pay the unproductive,
rent-seeking class.
Why do Democrats and the president continually deride success? Because if people
are personally successful they don't need government! Yes, that's right, there would
be less justification in society for growing government, and hence, the left's politicians
and public worker class. Successful people vote republican - those who are
entrepreneurial, small business-oriented, etc. In other words, people who are self-
reliant and want to be left alone to achieve something. Note, this is also why any
notions of accountability let alone personal accountability are anathema to dimocrats.
9 △ ▽
• Reply •
Proud Conservative • a year ago> ARRRGGGHH
All I hear in this thread is conservative Republicans looking for more
government involvement with a government mandate for English and a
constitutional amendment making English our official language (after 237
years). The Democrats seem to care less about this issue - its the conservative
republicans that are further dividing the GOP and giving Hispanics a reason to
become Democrats and worse, to leave the Republican Party,
1 △ ▽
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9. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 9/16
• Reply •
Marv4546 • a year ago
What has bound us all together has always been a common language - English.
Pandering to Spanish-speakers serves to further fragment us. We only have to look a
short distance north (Quebec) to see the divisive nature of two languages.
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• Reply •
John Johnson • a year ago> Marv4546
Or Europe, the basis for the EU was politicians promising unification made
Europe an economic powerhouse like the US. In Reality all the EU's done is
lower and threaten the Economic status of leading European economies. Multi-
Culturalism has the same effect here... it's important to speak one language,
very important.
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• Reply •
Serferdude • a year ago
Let us all hope Mr. Valdes next visit to a Hospital is full of Dr's and Nurses who cant
understand each other!! Maybe He'll learn why all science ,technical people and the
patient need to speak the same language!! The Serferdude
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• Reply •
Rich Valdes • a year ago> Serferdude
Mr. Serferdude - It's a good thing I speak a few different languages, just in
case I run into that situation. Thanks for your concern.
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• Reply •
Hank Halle • a year ago
The largest ethnic group in the US is German Americans. But my Grandpa and others
had to learn to speak English in the classroom.
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• Reply •
MacDaddy12345 • a year ago
My dear old Granny told me that it is impolite to speak a language that others do not
know, in front of them. My kid brother and I were caught by her making fun of group of
oka nahollo (whites) in Choctaw. The subsequent punishment ingrained into me the
disrespect of using a language around an individual or a group that do not speak that
language. The class should have given the lady respect by speaking English in the
class room and the school should have supported her instead of suspending her..
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• Reply •
Rich Valdes • a year ago> MacDaddy12345
Pima Community College suspended the student for "harassment", not for
politely asking students to stop. Of course, I agree, we shouldn't speak in
another language in group setting because that is just plain rude.
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• Reply •
MacDaddy12345 • a year ago> Rich Valdes
The memory of my sore rear agrees with you.
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• Reply •
Sharpshooter • a year ago
Back when we had a "real" President and a "real" immigration policy, one of the
requirements was to learn English and assimilate into this country. Now that we have
no immigration policy, (other than lets allow all the dregs of their society into this
country), the rules of changed. We can thank people like the "gang of eight", McCain
and the rest of the traitors!
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SFLBIB • a year ago> Sharpshooter
We do have an immigration policy; it’s just ignored. My grandparents
immigrated to the United States in 1913, and I found their names on their
ship’s manifest on the Ellis Island website. That manifest included the following
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10. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 10/16
• Reply •
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ship’s manifest on the Ellis Island website. That manifest included the following
“Affidavit of Commanding Officer”, dated 1913, as required of each ship
carrying immigrants to the United States. (Thousands of these can be found on
the Ellis Island website.)
I, (name of ship’s commanding officer) , of the (name of ship), from (port of
origin), do solemnly, sincerely, and truly (swear) that I have caused the
surgeon of said vessel sailing therewith, or the surgeon employed by the
owners thereof, to make a physical and oral examination of each and all of
the aliens named in the foregoing Lists or Manifest Sheets, (number of
sheets) in number, and that from the report of said surgeon and from my own
investigation, I believe that no one of said aliens is an idiot, or imbecile, or a
feeble-minded person, or insane person, or a pauper, or is likely to become a
public charge, or is afflicted with tuberculosis or with a loathsome or
dangerous contagious disease, or is a person who has been convicted of, or
who admits having committed a felony or other crime or misdemeanor
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• Reply •
Sharpshooter • a year ago> SFLBIB
Thank you so much for posting that. I have never seen it before. Bless
your grandparents!
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• Reply •
SFLBIB • a year ago> Sharpshooter
Thx. A lot of history has been forgotten.
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• Reply •
Chief • a year ago
All that is great but the United States is an english speaking country where students
who cannot speak the language should not preempt english speaking students simply
because they're here.
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• Reply •
Robert MacKay • a year ago
I wonder if the author of this typical racist drivel is aware that this type of attitude is
what hurts race relations in America? Calling someone a bigot who is playing by the
rules and expects others to play by the rules as well a bigot shows us that Mr. Valdes
is the true bigot not the student in Arizona.
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• Reply •
Madisonian2 • a year ago
She is 50 years old, and the only person in the class that does not speak Spanish. The
non-stop chatter of Spanish makes it impossible to concentrate on your studies. And
nothing can make a bunch of Mexicans shut up, even for a moment. The laws and
constitution of Arizona, and the state charter for the school is in English. The money
she paid for the course is printed in English.
She has every right to demand English in the classroom.
This author asks "what happened to the melting pot"? Well, Mexicans don't want to
melt. They want to be Mexicans in America.
See, there's your problem right there.
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• Reply •
roma8989 • a year ago
she has a right to bully minorities boo hoo....
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TexasJester • a year ago
Well, I see the anti-English and anti-white bias is alive and well....
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11. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 11/16
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Mr Valdes asks "what happened to the melting pot?" I ask it myself. Part of that
melting pot is you leave your old society behind ( isn't that why you generally leave
your home country for another - you didn't like it for whatever reason?) and assimilate
into the new country. My brother is engaged to a Swedish woman. If he were to
decide to emigrate to Sweden, it would be logical for him to learn the local language,
as well as abide my their customs.
If I (legally) emigrated to Mexico, I wouldn't have the right to insist that everything be
printed in English for the benefit of me and my family - I'd be expected to learn
Spanish. Same thing with Germany, France, Russia, Iran - if I move there, and expect
to work there, I should expect to speak the language and not be offended by that
culture, that country's flag, their legal system, etc. someone emigrating HERE should
do the same thing.
I occasionally fly an American flag on my truck. Over Independence Day weekend, I
had it up - and several immigrants told me that it offended them.
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• Reply •
JudyGreenEyes • a year ago> TexasJester
I hope you smiled nicely at the offended and said, "Glad to oblige."
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• Reply •
SFLBIB • a year ago> TexasJester
"I occasionally fly an American flag on my truck. Over Independence Day
weekend, I had it up - and several immigrants told me that it offended
them."
If you are in a country, you have to expect to see that country's flag once in a
while. If they find it so offensive, they need to find a different country. Which
brings up the question, why is it that the U.S. is the only country not allowed to
fly its own flag IN ITS OWN TERRITORY?
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• Reply •
wavesofgrain • a year ago> TexasJester
Agree!!!
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• Reply •
Dcp5674 • a year ago
I support a law that makes English the official language of the US, which, BTW I'm
pretty sure is already in Arizona's Constitution. My Grandparents came here from
Germany in 1901, and the first thing they did was learn English. It was the responsible
thing, as legal immigrants, to do. If you move to Mexico, do you think you won't have
to learn Spanish? You want to live here then learn the language........English!
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• Reply •
wavesofgrain • a year ago> Dcp5674
Exactly! And immigrants of the past also had a purpose when they came to this
country....to WORK to make a better life for themselves and their children.
Now, it seems our government is using them as voting tools, as they put up
billboards advertising all the free stuff they will be eligible for....including the
800 numbers for the fast track to welfare. And many of them are sending food
and US taxpayers money back to their home country.
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wavesofgrain • a year ago
This is a prime example of deliberate diluting of American culture...which is being
forced upon us full force within this administration,.
This country should have several important common denominators required for
citizenship...such as understanding and obeying laws, adhering to this country's
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12. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 12/16
• Reply •
citizenship...such as understanding and obeying laws, adhering to this country's
culture and Language. I have been in hotels and felt very uncomfortable when the
employees gathered within the restaurant, bar or hallways and spoke Spanish...leering
at customers. Those paying for education in American colleges should be able to
expect English spoken in those classes, unless it is a foreign language class.
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• Reply •
SFLBIB • a year ago> wavesofgrain
Have you considered posting a comment on one of the travel websites that
have ratings of hotels, restaurants, and other travel industry businesses?
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• Reply •
roma8989 • a year ago> wavesofgrain
American culture now includes harassing fellow students? gee, I guess I
missed that part about American culture.....;-)
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• Reply •
SFLBIB • a year ago> roma8989
Where have you been? There is a TON of jurisprudence that covers
harassment in the workplace and in schools, ostensibly to protect
workers' and students' rights to full participation. However, these laws
are meant to target Caucasians. You will note that when the student
complained, the school turned on her and blew off her complaint. Had
the Hispanics complained, the school would have moved heaven and
earth to assuage their hurt feelings. Therefore these laws should be
called what they are: intentions to persecute. It wasn't necessary to
word them such that they target Caucasians; all that were needed were
a wink and a nod and to hire the correct followers of the race-baiters to
enforce them to ensure that selective enforcement was the outcome.
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• Reply •
TexasJester • a year ago> roma8989
How about those fellow students harassing those that want to learn, by
disrupting the classes?? Hmm??
Part of the American culture - and ANY culture around the world - is
that when you come into this culture, you LEARN AND USE the
predominant language - here in the States, it's ENGLISH!!!
If I go to Germany, say, and I'm in a class and disrupt it by speaking
English to a friend, and the course is being taught in German, the other
students have a right to shut me up and insist I speak German. Well,
guess what, Roma - this is America. We speak ENGLISH. If you disrupt
the class speaking Spanish, or German, or whatever, the other students
have a right to insist you speak ENGLISH!! It's common courtesy, and
respect for others - but I guess when you're an illegal alien in this
country, you don't need to be courteous or respectful to others....
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• Reply •
indykat1 • a year ago> wavesofgrain
Puerto Ricans are US citizens at birth. Not all of them speak English, not even
when they relocate to the mainland. Would you feel uncomfortable in the
presence of these full-fledged citizens? If you visited Puerto Rico, also as a
citizen, you would not be required to speak Spanish, and the residents would
not be required to converse with you in English (although most would).
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Carlos_Perera • a year ago
Total balderdash, Mr. Valdes! As my name indicates, I, too, am Hispanic . . . but I have
good enough manners not to use Spanish, in an American college classroom, to
discuss class material. And, apart from the bad manners involved, class discussions
are an integral part of learning; conducting them in a foreign language adversely
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13. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 13/16
• Reply •
affects the ability to learn and rehearse instructional material by students who happen
not to speak that language. If Hispanic college students want to attend classes in
Spanish, they should consider enrolling in a Latin American or Spanish institution.
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• Reply •
Rich Valdes • a year ago> Carlos_Perera
Thanks for your comment, Mr. Perera. What I am suggesting in this piece is not
that students should speak Spanish in the classroom, but more so, that many
of my colleagues in the "big tent" disguise their anti-Hispanic sentiment as
frustration toward immigration policy (or its lack of enforcement). Agreed, those
looking to make the US their home need to speak English. However, I must
take exception when a fellow Conservatives hold onto the debate over
immigration policy and use it to advance an agenda that is rooted in bigotry
towards Hispanics. There are many immigrant groups in the US and HIspanics
seem to get all teh flack, as if there was something inherently wrong with being
a American of Hispanic descent. That my friend, is the issue - not immigration.
Just read the first comment, which makes my case all too well.
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• Reply •
SFLBIB • a year ago
see more
> Carlos_Perera
I agree with you. The author is all over the place with this issue, but he never
mentions that a classroom is not the same as the government printing material
in another language solely to provide information to an individual.
What is not mentioned, and what you allude to, is that a class relies on the
synergistic effect more commonly known as the Socratic Method: The teacher
says something; a student responds with a comment or question; this causes
another student to think of a third point, and so on.
The Socratic method (also known as method of elenchus, elenctic method,
or
Socratic debate), named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, is a
form of inquiry and discussion between individuals, based on asking and
answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. It
is a dialectical method, often involving a discussion in which the defense of
one point of view is questioned; one participant may lead another to
contradict
himself in some way, thus strengthening the inquirer's own point.
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• Reply •
Rich Valdes • a year ago> SFLBIB
Dear SFLBIB, thanks for your insight. You are correct, I did not mention
that because that is not what I am addressing in this article; I am
discussing the emotional offense and contempt that select fellow
Conservatives have towards Hispanics and how this country has seen
this before in 1795. The idea that adding laws and more government
intervention will fix this problem, is exactly the big government
philosophy that I oppose. Moreover, the perception I am getting is that
this anti-Hispanic attitude is rather contrary to the liberties that "We The
People" ought to expect in a constitutional republic that is free of
tyranny - and that's not very conservative or American - its bigotry
wrapped in sheeps clothing.
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SFLBIB • a year ago> Rich Valdes
There is a lot here that is true, but there are some other factors
that have not been addressed at all in any discussions I’ve read.
There is racism in America, has been and always will be,
because people are people.
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14. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 14/16
• Reply •
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Back in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s, Scientific American
carried an article that asked, “Why do immigrant Vietnamese
children succeed in American schools but not [native-born]
Americans?” There was an accompanying photograph of a
whole Vietnamese family [probably boat people] gathered
around their kitchen table with books and papers spread all over.
The whole family was studying together because it was
considered shameful to be uneducated. They recognized that
there was racial prejudice in America, and their approach was to
overcome it by becoming educated. Apparently, it worked,
because, fast forward about ten years, I had in the meantime
become a first-level engineering supervisor, and one day a
young man of Vietnamese origin came to our office for
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• Reply •
Name • a year ago
The meaning of "melting pot" is centered around all the different ingredients blending
together while retaining their individual characteristics. Speaking the same language is
a large part of the common broth in which we all swim. I'm not familiar with this
woman's complaint, but I can say regardless of the language being spoken, it's rude
to speak in a language foreign to your listeners. If the Spanish-speaking students were
making comments which disrupted the class and were not intended for everyone's
ears, then the complaint isn't even language-related, but rather classroom discipline-
related. If the Spanish-speaking students were answering questions asked by the
professor, or were posing questions for the professor, these should definitely have
been spoken in English, as a common courtesy to everyone in the room. What I
cannot understand is why the woman was suspended, and why lawyers have inserted
themselves into yet another everyday common-courtesy issue.
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• Reply •
indykat1 • a year ago> Name
It's likely that the woman was suspended because she was rude, in violation of
common courtesy. The article does not say whether this was a one-time event,
but if it was she might have raised her concerns in a more diplomatic way.
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• Reply •
Stephen Shelnutt • a year ago> indykat1
She did. Her instructor cursed at her, suspended from the class, and
when she went to the Dean's Office to complain, an unqualified
untrained individual told her she needed counseling.
Now, if this was a class called "Professional Spanish for dealing with
Spanish patients", then I could definitely see a strong use of Spanish in
the classroom. But if not, would you like your doctor and nurse talking
about you in a language that you did not understand? I would actually
call that rude, in violation of common courtesy.
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• Reply •
TexasJester • a year ago> indykat1
She went to several people in the school hierarchy trying to get some
satisfaction - and wound up be labeled a racist and suspended. And as
far as being rude - how about those that were disrupting the class,
speaking a language that the course was NOT being taught? This
woman paid money to learn the subject, and through the rudeness and
lack of courtesy and respect of others, she was unable to do so, and
when she sought to rectify the matter, SHE got tossed out - not the
original offenders!
4 △ ▽
indykat1 • a year ago> TexasJester
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15. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 15/16
• Reply •
indykat1 • a year ago> TexasJester
It would be interesting to know what words and phrases she
used in her complaints to the hierarchy. I suppose that will come
out when the suit is tried. But something is missing in this
account. My guess is that there will be some kind of modest
settlement -- the woman gets a refund, and possibly free tuition
for another class, but no more than that. It's really a very minor
issue.
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• Reply •
bob • a year ago
One question, were the students participating in Spanish? It might be an issue if the
class was being conducted in Spanish at a college in the U.S. and the student could
not understand.
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• Reply •
TexasJester • a year ago> bob
The class was being conducted in English, and the Spanish-speaking students
were interrupting and talking among themselves. Apparently the instructor(s)
couldn't maintain control of the classroom..
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• Reply •
jim thompson • a year ago
This article says "the fear of change or bigotry...is at the core of the underlying issue."
I disagree that this is Bennett's problem. Nothing I have read indicates that Bennett is
afraid of change or is a bigot. Other articles regarding this incident stated that Bennett
was frustrated with the amount of class time that was devoted to translating the
subject matter for the non-English speaking students. I don't blame her. If an
inordinate amount of class time was going to be taken away from the subject matter
and used for translations the syllabus should have stated this.
Immigrants themselves have stated that language is the greatest barrier that keeps
them from succeeding in the United States. We understand their frustration and
applaud their efforts to learn the predominant language of their adopted country. We
would all benefit from learning additional languages. However, like it or not, English is
the dominant language used in the United States and by approximately 90% of the
world. The solution is to encourage them to learn English, not force the rest of us to
spend our valuable time and resources bringing them up-to-speed.
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• Reply •
indykat1 • a year ago> jim thompson
What is the source for your figure that English is the dominant language of
approximately 90 percent of the world? I spent two years in China, which has
about 19 percent of the entire world's population. I can assure you that while
millions of Chinese know some English, it certainly is not a dominant language.
1 △ ▽
• Reply •
jim thompson • a year ago> indykat1
My figure of 90% was from memory. I remember that figure noted in
another discussion regarding English as being the traditional universal
language of people involved in industry, commerce, politics, medicine,
etc. Air traffic controllers have to speak English. Why wouldn't nurses?
They're both safety issues, aren't they?
3 △ ▽
indykat1 • a year ago> jim thompson
You are correct in saying that English is used extensively
worldwide in professional fields, and in air control. Nurses in
American clinics and hospitals certainly should have to know
English -- but others in some areas of the country would also
have to know Spanish. Social workers in those areas could not
do their jobs without being bilingual. That may not seem ideal,
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16. 12/4/2014 Arizona student suspended for harassing Spanish speakers files lawsuit | Washington Times Communities
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/-list-americanism/2013/jul/23/arizona-student-suspended-harassing-spanish-speake/ 16/16
• Reply •
do their jobs without being bilingual. That may not seem ideal,
but it's realistic. My point about the 90 percent figure was simply
that it's way high for the world's population in general. I would
even say that fluency/literacy in English does not reach 90
percent even in America.
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• Reply •
Stephen Shelnutt • a year ago> indykat1
And that is why they have classes called "Professional Spanish
for medical professionals". And the class presented was not
such a class.
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• Reply •
James • a year ago
I speak five languages, and while I agree with the author that it should not be a
problem for people to speak any language in public, I fear that he conflates that issue
with using languages other than English as the official language of public affairs. I
don't want to have to print labels in two languages as they do in Canada. I don't want
legislation to have to be published in Sanskrit.
I think we can--and must--distinguish between encouraging people to learn foreign
languages and using those languages as part of our legal and economic system.
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• Reply •
Stephen Shelnutt • a year ago> James
And, as an additional question, if you are stressing communications, do you
really want a health care provider of any type speaking a non-native language
in a room where you are dealing with a health-care issue? Doesn't matter if it is
Spanish, Mandarin, or French, if the person you are providing health care
services to does not speak the language as a native language, there will be a
perception that you are hiding information--not exactly what you want to do
where clear communication can save lives. By analogy to air traffic control,
English is the common language of international air traffic control so that all
communications can be clearly understood....
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• Reply •
James • a year ago> Stephen Shelnutt
Quite right.
Just to make my position clear: I'm hugely in favor of students learning
languages, especially at a young age. I have no objection to hearing or
speaking to someone in any language at the grocery store. But I do
have a problem when "official" communications have to be printed in
umpteen languages, when some would have us use other languages in
court, and so on.
5 △ ▽
Stephen Shelnutt • a year ago> James
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