Resolution: English Only

WHEREAS,: the several bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress to make English the official language of the United States; and
WHEREAS,: the issue of an official U.S. language is likely to be raised as an issue in the Presidential campaign and the political campaigns of candidates for Congress and Senate; and
WHEREAS,: the issue often has a divisive effect on the public and does not meet with the inclusive spirit and vision of a democratic and diverse society; and
WHEREAS,: the passage and implementation of such legislation could restrict the program options that local school systems have for limited English proficient children; and
WHEREAS,: such legislation could have a harmful effect on the ability of school systems to communicate with and involve parents who do not yet speak English;
THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Great City Schools opposes federal legislation that mandates that English is the official U.S. language; and
AND FURTHER THAT the Council of the Great City Schools opposes such legislation that may appear in state legislatures and on state ballots.

Council of the Great City Schools
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 702
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 393-2427, (202) 393-2400 (fax)