Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h7SI0q723939; Thu, 28 Aug 2003 14:00:52 -0400 (EDT) Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2003 14:00:52 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <sf4dee8b.039@nmail.epcc.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Andres Muro" <AndresM@epcc.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9291] Re: Accept English Only donation? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 5.5.5 Status: O Content-Length: 2539 Lines: 55 How about taking the money, and during your acceptance speech explain why English only is absurd. They may take the money away, but you may get some converts. Andres >>> kate.diggins@slc.k12.ut.us 08/28/03 11:03AM >>> Oh, yikes! That's a rough one. I think I would politely and regretfully decline the donation. It was somewhat underhanded of the English Only organization to expect her to stand forth in that way. Naturally, the community expects an ESL teacher to encourage use of English in the immigrant community. What bothers me about many in the English Only movement is that they see it as an opportunity to send unwelcoming messages to newcomers. They use promotion of North American culture and the English language to devalue other languages and cultures. To be seen accepting a donation in such a public manner could be perceived in so many ways. There will be misconceptions that this teacher accepts not only the overt message of the English Only movement, but the anti-immigrant rumblings of the lunatic fringe. ---------- Original Message ----------- From: "Cathy Shank" <cshank@access.k12.wv.us> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Sent: Thu, 28 Aug 2003 08:03:35 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9287] Accept English Only donation? > A teacher in my state was approached by an 'English Only' group who was > interested in donating money for educational materials to her > program. She decided to go ahead since there seemed to be no > apparent strings attached to the money--she could use the funds to > purchase materials SHE selects and she would not be bound to any > particular curriculum. Later, the group said they wanted to give > her the check publicly at the same time a state senator gave a press > conference announcing a bill to make English the official state > language. She is unsure how to respond. > > She CAN make an acceptance speech which clarifies her organization's > goals, but she fears standing on the same platform with the > politician will make her appear to be associated with his position. > She plans to discuss it with her ESL class as a problem solving type > issue. > > What are your thoughts on this one? Does anyone have any advice or > resources to offer? Has anyone seen any information on the 'English > Only' issue that is written at reading level that would be > accessible to intermediate level ESL students? > > Thanks for your thoughts and assistance. > Cathy Shank ------- End of Original Message -------
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