Dearborn (Mich.) school won't restrict use of Arabic language

Stung by a report recommending that English only be used at one of the district's most heavily Arab high schools,Dearborn (Mich.) administrators fielded numerous phone calls from community members worried about a ban. Superintendent Brian Whiston tried to reassure teachers by staff e-mail that the use of Arabic would not be discontinued. A study by the Michigan Leadership Institute contended that bilingual programs slow assimilation of students into the district's three high schools. To read The Detroit News article, click here. EARLIER: A recommendation to bar Arabic speech in the most heavily Arab public high school in Dearborn, Mich., unless it is absolutely necessary has sparked a sharp debate between those who say it's necessary to help students perform better and those who say it only helps alienate them. A study commissioned by the Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency says the use of Arabic by students in the bilingual programs slows the assimilation of students "into the school and American society in general" and fosters suspicion among students and teachers who don't speak the language. But Imad Hamad, regional director of the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee, says students' ability to communicate in the language they feel most comfortable with is a basic right. The report singles out Fordson High School and says it should prohibit all non-English use unless absolutely necessary to communicate with parents or students. To read The Detroit News article, click here.