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Why are key players in Oregon´s anti-immigrant movement some of the only vocal supporters of Ballot Measure 58? I attended two Portland-area debates on the measure last week, and both featured Rick Hickey, vice president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform and Chair of the ¨English for the Children of Oregon¨ political action committee, as the only proponent of the measure. It is interesting that the Oregonian failed to mention his allegiances and instead portrayed him as ´a Salem parent´. After reading the text of the measure and hearing both sides of the argument, it is clear that the measure is primarily an effort to change educational policy.
If this is a question of education, and the education of English language learners, why would we trust the opinion of a leader of an overtly anti-immigrant group to know what is the best for immigrant children? What stake do OFIR and other anti-immigrant groups have in the number of years of first-language instruction available to English language learners?
The speaking of English in schools has long been a hot issue in conflicts surrounding ´national identity´ here in the United States, and it is certainly a key focus of the contemporary anti-immigrant and nativist movements. What does that tell us about OFIR's support for this Bill Sizemore ballot measure?
A note on the ´research´ supporting those who back Measure 58:
During both of the debates Hickey frequently cited the work of Dr. Rosalie Porter, who has been widely discredited as an academic. Specifically, he was referencing finding in one book she published in 1997 called Forked Tongue. In addition, many of his personal stories and anecdotes were said to come from former ESL teachers and state officials of school districts in California and Arizona where similar legislation has been passed. When asked for names and references to academic studies or official reports, he either refused or cited the experience of these individuals as something he would trust.
You can listen to last Friday´s City Club Debate here
October 30, 2008
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1 comment:
thank you for starting this blog! it is a great idea. many people don't realize how scary the anti-immigrant, white supremacist groups are. they may seem small and insignificant, but they been violent and have the potential for much more violence and paramilitary activity. additionally, although they represent the fringe of anti-immigrant sentiment/public opinion, there needs to be mass outcry against them.
the holocaust started small too. and i feel that this country is headed toward fascism. the quasi-populist, violent anti-immigrant and white supremacist groups, the government's targeting of immigrants, and the government's focus on targeting anarchists and eco-activists rather than actually violent people and groups are scary signs to me.
this blog is a good step toward educating people about the links between anti-immigrant people and white supremacists, the potential for further violence and fascism, and to inspire us to take action against racists, fascists, and ICE.
thanks!
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