The question is whether or not an employer should implement an “English” only policy at work for all the employees. A student in a previous class responded as follows. Please comment on his post and whether you agree or disagree and why:

“Regardless of the debate of English only proponents, many newcomers (and even undocumented residents) are learning English faster than ever before. Moreover, the United States has always been marked by considerable language diversity, as reflected in the long tradition of bilingual education, while English has maintained its dominant position. Clearly, our national language is no more threatened today than it was in 1776.

When language restrictions are enacted, they tend impinge on basic constitutional rights, produce ethnic strife, and sabotage educational programs, which in my opinion (and I’m Caucasian), is all about preserving the supremacy of white Americans, who so gloriously wrap themselves in the flag (aka: freedom). Maybe it’s just me, but it seems to be no accident that today`s attempts to restrict languages other than English occur at a time of rising immigration and empowerment by racial minorities. Language should be looked upon as a tool, not a cause, of social conflict.”