State Language Legislation – 2001-2002

Anti-bilingual education initiative for 2002 similar to Arizona's Proposition 203 and California's Proposition 227; certified by the Massachusetts Attorney General, 9/5/01. PASSED, 68% - 32%, 11/5/02

Like the other initiatives, English for the Children of Massachusetts is bankrolled largely by Ron Unz, according to campaign finance reports. The Committee for Fairness to Children and Teachers (FACT) is organizing against it, using the slogan "Don't Sue Teachers." Click here to visit the campaign web site.

 
Bilingual Opponent Condemned by Critics – African-American leaders seek apology by Ron Unz for injecting "race-baiting" into his English-only campaign.
Boston Globe, 21 July 2002
Bilingual Foe Blasts a U.S. Secretary – Race and intelligence raised in Unz's email blasting Rod Paige. This typifies the arrogance and myopia of the English-only advocate, says influential lawmaker.
Boston Globe, 17 July 2002
Foe of Bilingual Ed Sparks Uproar with Race Comments – White House reacts to Unz's comments.
Boston Herald, 17 July 2002
Romney Distances Himself from 'English Immersion' Backer – Republican gubernatorial candidate claims that Unz's racial remarks have nothing to do with his initiative. Leading Democrat Shannon O'Brien says it reveals his "true colors."
Associated Press, 17 July 2002
Poll: Voters Strongly Back Bilingual Education Revamp – Support crosses political and ideological lines.
Boston Herald, 15 July 2002
House Votes To Revamp Bilingual Ed – Lawmakers craft moderate "reform" alternative to Unz, but critics protest lack of parent choice. English-only initiative gets final approval for November ballot.
Boston Globe, 10 July 2002
Funding for Challenge to Bilingual Education Questioned – Unz accused of violating Massachusetts law with his California-directed campaign.
Funding for Challenge to Bilingual Education Questioned – Unz accused of violating Massachusetts law with his California-directed campaign.
Boston Globe, 17 April 2002
Middle Ground OK'd on Bilingual Ed – Legislative committee seeks compromise to head off English-only initiative Boston Globe, 10 April 2002
Bilingual Ed Brawl – John Silber steals the show at State House hearing with attacks on teachers' unions.
Boston Herald, 14 March 2002
Harvard Panel Heatedly Debates Bilingual Education
Harvard Crimson, 16 October 2001
Bilingual Ed Law Gets a New Foe
Boston Globe, 31 July 2001

• Pro-bilingual education initiative for 2002, providing added choices for parents; sponsored by state representative Jarrett Barrios; certified by the Massachusetts Attorney General, 9/5/01
• S 259 – Anti-bilingual education statute; similar to Arizona's Proposition 203 and California's Proposition 227; referred to committee.
• H 793 – Anti-bilingual education statute; similar to Senate bill; referred to committee.