Deukmejian Veto of Bilingual Bill

I would like to commend The Times for its insightful editorial (Sept. 25), “Shocking Language Barrier.”

I, unfortunately, admit that I was one of those judgmental people who, before reading this editorial, got upset when an immigrant couldn’t speak English. I think the editorial taught me a valuable lesson: not to assume anything unless you know the facts.

What I didn’t know was that there were 40,000 applicants turned away this year because of lack of funds for classes in English as a Second Language (ESL).

A friend of mine is a teacher of ESL. I never realized what a central part she plays in our society today. I hadn’t realized the need for more people in her occupation. From your editorial I learned that the desire to learn English is there, but the opportunity is not.

JODI SALVARYN

Westchester