When California passed a law making English its official language, it set off a storm of legal and social debate—debate which continues to rage today. In this program, advocates for and against the policy examine the topic from social, legal, and educational standpoints: English-only advocates justify their viewpoint on the grounds that it promotes national unity and saves money by eliminating bilingual programs; a Mexican-American lawyer discusses the constitutionality of such a law; and an elementary school principal promotes the educational advantages of a program that teaches all students to speak, read, and write in English and Spanish. Produced by the Open University. (25 minutes)

Historically, the U.S. was settled by immigrants from numerous European countries and speaking various languages. In the early 20th Century, learning English became an important part of becoming an American and developing unity.

English language advocates campaign in Washington D.C. to get English language measures passed through Congress but also challenge bilingualism in the school, workplace, and ballot box at a local levels.

In 1974 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of educational assistance for non-English speakers. Proposition 63 made English the official language of the state of California but the presence of many other languages remains evident.

English language advocates argue against the costs of bilingual provisions. However, bilingual provisions help many recent immigrants learn English and bilingual education programs help fulfill individual rights to education.

One third of all students in San Francisco have limited English and the city currently provides a full bilingual education program. One elementary school principal promotes the advantages of education in both English and Spanish.

When Spun State Company employers imposed an English-only language policy in the workplace, Spanish-speaking employees file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Civil Liberties Union.