Language Paranoia

Letter to the Editor of The Miami Herald

It seems excessive to suspend a student for ignoring teachers’ warnings and speaking Spanish (Lapse into Spanish earns suspension, then apology, Dec. 9). But I can understand why teachers want to encourage students to speak English at school.

Too many Hispanic students are becoming disconnected from mainstream American culture under the guise of preserving their native language and culture. In the long run, it will only hurt them — speakers of limited English earn far less than English-proficient adults do, often doing the least desirable jobs.

Parents are in the best position to teach children about their heritage. Our schools, on the other hand, need to give children the English skills they need to thrive in U.S. society.