Amendment 31 is attack on opportunities for school success, says Green Party candidate

August 29, 2002

For Immediate Release

By Forthofer for Governor Campaign

Contact: Mark Sweitzer 303-484-8300
 

 "Amendment 31, an initiative brought to Colorado by anti-immigrant forces outside our state, is an attack not only on bilingual education programs, but on opportunities for school success," says Ron Forthofer, Green Party candidate in the 2002 gubernatorial race.

"Amendment 31, which bears the title 'English Language Education' would dismantle not only bilingual education, but also existing ESL and language acquisition programs specifically designed by local school districts to meet the needs of their students.  The idea of an out-of-state coalition usurping the voice of local school districts violates Colorado's commitment to local control.

"This proposed Constitutional Amendment dictates a one-size-fits-all solution for students working to acquire English.  Moreover, it would be enormously expensive to school districts. They would be forced to warehouse their current programs and materials, and expend huge sums to train new teachers.  Unlike California, there is no practical way for schools to continue successful programs due to onerous civil penalties contained in the amendment.

"For these reasons and many more, I am categorically opposed to Amendment 31, and call upon all candidates in the State of Colorado to denounce this Amendment as an affront to the people of Colorado."