Official English Movement

Members of the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials met in Albuquerque, NM. This panel discussion concerned with having English-only as the official language with lessons learned in different states. State Rep. Ray Sanchez spoke of previous failed attempts of this movement in New Mexico. Rich Castro spoke of efforts and successes in stopping legislation in Colorado. He also mentioned previous historical examples of other English-only efforts against German and Native languages and the role of the KKK in raising hysteria and popular support for English only. Former State Senator Alfredo Gutierrez told of the efforts in Arizona and the loss of keeping English only out. Martha Jimenez spoke initially in Spanish, then related a history of language relations in the U.S. An overhead slide was displayed showing states that were considering English only legislation. She continued discussing efforts in other states and local municipalities. Questions from the audience close