S.J.R. 3

             1      ENGLISH PLUS RESOLUTION
             2      1999 GENERAL SESSION
             3      STATE OF UTAH
             4      Sponsor: Pete Suazo
             5      A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE RECOGNIZING THE ECONOMIC AND
             6      CULTURAL BENEFIT OF PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH AND OTHER LANGUAGES;
             7      AND REAFFIRMING UTAH'S ADVOCACY OF THE TEACHING OF OTHER
             8      LANGUAGES.
             9      Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             10          WHEREAS, according to the 1990 U.S. Census, 94 % of U.S. citizens speak English;
             11          WHEREAS, English is the unifying language of the United States, and the nation's citizens
             12      recognize the importance of the English language to national prosperity and individual
             13      accomplishment;
             14          WHEREAS, the people of Utah promote the spirit of diversity with harmony represented
             15      by the various cultures that make up the fabric of our state;
             16          WHEREAS, Utah was part of Mexico until the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1845
             17      wherein the United States insured protection of former Mexican citizens, made United States
             18      residents by the treaty, and protected their linguistic rights to continue to speak Spanish;
             19          WHEREAS, multilingualism has historically been an essential element of national security,
             20      including the use of Navajo in the development of coded communications during World War II,
             21      the Korean War, and the Vietnam War;
             22          WHEREAS, multilingualism promotes greater cross-cultural understanding and benefit
             23      between different racial and ethnic groups;
             24          WHEREAS, many Utah residents are multilingual due to their participation in the
             25      worldwide missionary work of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whose members,
             26      among others, founded the state;
             27          WHEREAS, the people of Utah acknowledge that "English Plus," or proficiency in English

             28      and one or more additional languages, best serves the national interest since it promotes the
             29      concept that all members of society have full access to opportunities to effectively learn English
             30      plus develop proficiency in second or multiple languages;
             31          WHEREAS, Salt Lake City and the citizens of Utah will host visitors from throughout the
             32      world during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games; and
             33          WHEREAS, the State Board of Regents and the nine institutions of higher education
             34      require a minimum of four years of study in a foreign language as a condition of admission for
             35      entering freshmen as acknowledgment that individuals who have the capability to communicate
             36      in multiple languages have access to a wealth of opportunities economically, socially,
             37      professionally, and personally:
             38          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah reaffirm
             39      its advocacy of the teaching of other languages in the United States and its belief that the position
             40      of English is not threatened.
             41          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that proficiency in more than one language is to the
             42      economic and cultural benefit of Utah, its citizens and the nation, whether proficiency derives from
             43      second language maintenance plus English acquisition by speakers of other languages.
             44          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that proficiency in English plus other languages should be
             45      encouraged throughout the state.
             46          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the United States
             47      Department of Education, the State Board of Regents, and the state's nine institutions of higher
             48      education.



Legislative Review Note
    as of 12-17-98 8:10 AM

A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel