English Instruction

May I clear up one exception to the otherwise fair report (March 10) of the State Education Committee hearing in Sacramento. We are not an “English-only” organization. All languages and cultures are treasures in our country and should be preserved. They are us.

We say it loudly and we endlessly repeat, languages and cultures should be preserved but these are not government responsibilities. These belong in the home, church, synagogue, private schools and ethnic celebrations. We want English as the language of government and the common language of communication. Our urban communities have from 100 to 150 languages and cultures. And that’s why a common language of government and communication is more than just an idea, it’s survival.

Yes, as your article points out, our hard position is that the method of instruction must be selected at the local school board level. Native-language instruction is counterproductive, a dismal failure. And native-language instruction may be the choice of the Department of Education because of politics and lobbying. It certainly is a choice made without conscience.

STANLEY DIAMOND, Chairman

California English Campaign

San Francisco