Gilroy asks restudy of Prop. 227

Gilroy school board trustees were advised by their attorney Tuesday that their bilingual programs comply with Proposition 227. But fearful of being sued, they asked him to restudy the issue and return with a clearer opinion.

Meanwhile, Proposition 227 author Ron Unz, who has said the schools’ programs do not meet the law’s requirements, said the Gilroy situation has prompted him to have his group, English for the Children, mail letters to about 100 California school districts to remind them of the law’s provisions.

Fear of lawsuits

The law mandates that non-English-speaking students be taught predominantly in English.

Gilroy trustees are being cautious because they can be liable for damages if a parent whose child fails to learn English sues the district and can show that trustees refused to comply with the law. Unz said Wednesday that his group might provide assistance if such a suit were brought.

In Gilroy, where the issue of possible violations came up last week, trustees said they are trying to understand the law, not thwart it.

Immersion programs

Believing such students must be taught “overwhelmingly” in English, the district decided in August to implement immersion programs taught 60 percent in English and 40 percent in Spanish.

Although neither the law nor state Department of Education regulations define what those terms specifically mean, Unz said that the ratio is illegal. He said such classes must have about 98 percent or 99 percent English instruction.

Trustees met Tuesday night to discuss the problem, after receiving a written opinion from the district’s lawyer, Louis T. Lozano of Monterey.

As a result of Tuesday’s informational meeting, trustees directed Lozano to come back with an opinion that includes definitions of “nearly all” and “overwhelmingly” — in time for their next meeting Oct. 13.



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