'Speak American' teacher video sparks protests at N.J. high school

[Common]

Dozens of students walked out of classes in protest at Cliffside Park High School on Monday, days after a video of a teacher telling children to "speak American" appeared on social media. Around 11:30 a.m., a fire alarm was pulled and hundreds of students came outside the school accompanied by staff members.
Some students in this heavily-Hispanic district enthusiastically waved flags symbolizing their heritage as cheers went up from crowds gathered outside.
"Men and women are fighting. They are not fighting for your right to speak Spanish," the teacher says in the video. "They are fighting for your right to speak American."

http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2...incart_m-rpt-2

[stjames1_53]

Good for the teacher. This IS America, not Mexico

[Ransom]

All students should be encouraged to speak English(American), it enhances your employment possibilities and education opportunities. Anyone want to enter in the labor market without speaking English........it puts you at a serious disadvantage.

We've got student athletes.....we've got student protestors.....and we've student idiots. These kids....who knows if they're protesting or athletes......they're fckin stupid though, that is a fact.

[donttread]

Good for the teacher. This IS America, not Mexico

A fair request to speak "American " in an "American" school is it not?

[Adelaide]

"Right to speak American."

It is called English, dolt.

[Adelaide]

All students should be encouraged to speak English(American), it enhances your employment possibilities and education opportunities. Anyone want to enter in the labor market without speaking English........it puts you at a serious disadvantage.

We've got student athletes.....we've got student protestors.....and we've student idiots. These kids....who knows if they're protesting or athletes......they're fckin stupid though, that is a fact.

See, you caught it also.

I agree that it is most advantageous if they learn English. If they are new to the country, it may take some time particularly for high school-aged children. Harder to learn languages at that point. Still, learning English is essential for the future.

[stjames1_53]

"Right to speak American."

It is called English, dolt.

Don't tell the Brits that.............

[Adelaide]

Don't tell the Brits that.............

I use primarily British/Canadian English, but I would never tell someone to speak Canadian - that's stupid. It's English, particularly in terms of English that is American in origin as that is what is universally spoken/accepted now across the globe.

[Green Arrow]

“American” is not a language. If the teacher is that dumb the kids probably learned more from standing outside than they did in the class.

[Mister D]

They should be in class getting the education they so desperately need. Hispanic students do not do well in the US overall and part of the reason for that is their poor English. Sorry, I'd hate to be Captain Obvious here but...really?