4 Page 2 - The Michigan Daily -Wednesday, March 18, 1987 'English only' legislation opposed By DAVID WEBSTER While racial discrimination has been in the news lately, a proposed constitutional amendment - one which many think will promote further racial separation - has been circulating in the U. S. House of Representatives. The proposed English Language Amendment would destroy the multilingual, socially diverse popu - lation by making English the nation's official language, according to James McIntosh, director of the University's American Culture Pro - gram. Michigan Representative Wil - liam Broomfield (R-18th District) introduced the proposed amendment to the House of Representatives last January. TIRED OF THE WAIT? eRacquetball Courts " Pools " Dance Studios " Gym "*Tanning Booth e Sauna " Nautilus Club PAYMENT PLANS AV ULABLE 3 blocksfrortcentral campus ANN ARBOR "Y" 350 S. FIFTH AVE " 663-0536 Advocates of the English Lan- guage Amendment say a national language would help unify Amer - ica's diverse ethnic populations into a more efficient democracy. Opponents argue that the amend - ment would legalize discrimination based on language proficiency. THE PROPOSAL specifies that "Neither the United States nor any State shall require, by law, ordinance, regulation, order, decree, program, or policy, the use in the United States of any language other than English." The article is aimed at re- vamping federally-funded bilingual education programs and eliminating bilingual ballots. It would also eliminate many other federal and state-funded programs and publi- cations such as multilingual tax forms and driver's license exams. Michigan currently offers driver's license exams in 20 different languages. Opponents of the English Language Amendment charge it is a prejudiced attempt to push non- English speakers out of the main- stream of American society. If the proposed amendment is ratified, "there will be a great deal of racial animosity and group separation," said John Trasvina, an attorney for the Mexican American Legal De- fense and Educational Fund. Trasvina believes efforts to make English the official language are rooted in the 19th century movement to keep Blacks from exercising their civil rights in the South after the Civil War. Groups supporting the proposal, such as English First and U. S. English, hope to reform the bilin- gual education program because they say it is inefficient and lethar- gic. THE PROGRAM AIMS to teach proficiency in English in three years, but students often re- quire up to seven years to finish. These programs are provided through the Bilingual Education Act of 1968. The amendment would not abolish bilingual education, but it would give local school officials more control over funding and structuring of programs. Supporters say the "total immersion method," in which the student is completely immersed in an English-speaking environment for about six months, is effective. But opponents think that, al- though the immersion method may be useful in instructing adults, it is inefficient in teaching children. They say children in immersion programs often become confused and frustrated without gaining a sufficient understanding of English. "I think we should promote bi- lingual education rather than dis- couraging it," McIntosh said. PROPONENTS of the amend- ment think the laggard bilingual education program promotes the advancement of alternative lan- guages, particularly Spanish, and builds social and political barriers between the many ethnic commun- ities in this country. "The English Language Amend- ment is timely insurance against a divided America which could no longer call itself the 'melting pot,"' Broomfield said. Foreign language ballots are mandated by a 1975 amendment to the Voting Rights Act. That amendment specifically targets Spanish, Native American, and Asian Pacific languages. Eight states have already added amendments declaring English the official language to their con- stitutions. Last November, Califor- nia passed Proposition 63, which made English the state's official language. Lawrence Pratt, president of English First, said about 25 states have had movements in their legislatures to make English the official language of the state this year. Pratt said his organization has contacted every state legislator in the country in an effort to rally support for the English Language Amendment. If the proposed amendment is approved, 38 of the 50 states would have to ratify it for it to be added to the Constitution. LSA sculpture shows old roles SHORT OR LONG Hairstyles for Men and Women DASCOLA STYLISTS (Continued from Page 1) you will find labor division along gender lines, but not completely." Maurer said that while duties such as food preparation were traditionally reserved for women in the 19th century, other duties, such as care of farm animals, were both men and women's responsibility. Julie Steiner, Coordinator of the campus Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, said, "Part of the reason it's important to keep the world of art open is to influence the world view of gender roles and other pertinent issues that we're all concerned about." Liberty off State . . Maple Village . ... 668-9329 761-2733 IN BRIEF Compiled from Associated Press reports Ex-Reagan adviser refuses to answer congressional questions WASHINGTON -- Former National Security Adviser John Poindexter, a key figure in the Iran-Contra investigation, cited his constitutional protection against self-incrimination yesterday in refusing to answer congressional questions about computer security. Poindexter, citing the same Fifth Amendment protection, had refused in December to answer Senate and House committees' questions about his role in the sale of arms to Iran and possible diversion of some profits to the Nicaraguan rebels. Yesterday, Rep. Jack Brooks (D-Texas) asked four questions narrowly focused on a directive issued by Poindexter on Oct. 29, 1986, relating to security. The questions made no reference to the Iran-Contra investigations being conducted by an independent counsel and separate House and Senate committees. U.S. trade gap hits record high WASHINGTON - America's deficit in the broadest measure of foreign trade soared to a record $140.57 billion in,1986, pushing the United States further into the hole as the world's largest debtor nation, the government reported yesterday. The imbalance in the nation's current account jumped 19.5 percent above the previous record of $117.68 billion, set in 1985. Last year ended on an especially gloomy note as the quarterly deficit from October through December hit a record as well, $36.84 billion, primarily because of a further deterioration in merchandise trade. While the United States has run a deficit in merchandise trade for 15 of the past 16 years, the current account was in surplus as recently as 1981 as Americans' earnings on overseas investments were enough to offset the merchandise deficits. But in recent years, a flood of foreign goods has wiped out the cushion once provided by investment earnings. School district may pay for cheating student's education : BOSTON - A school district that awarded a high school diploma to a woman who could not read but cheated her way to the top of the class has been ordered to pay $17,000 she spent for remedial education. Karen Morse, who is dyslexic, is in college now, but to people in her hometown of Henniker, N.H., her high school education is very. much a current issue. School board members will not say if they will appeal the March 3 ruling by the New Hampshire Department of Education ordering payment for the special school Ms. Morse attended after high school. They have 30 days to respond but the matter is expected to come up.: and could be decided today at a town meeting. GM workers demand seniority DETROIT - Hundreds of laid-off General Motors Corp. workers, fearing for their futures, demonstrated yesterday at their union's headquarters to demand that the next GM contract allow them to take their seniority to other plants. "I'm too old to start over," said Dennis Wack, who was laid off Jan. 12 after more than 16 years with GM in Saginaw and was a. demonstration organizer. "I see no hope." Wack is among more than 30,000 workers who have lost or will' - lose their GM jobs in the next three years when the nation's largest automaker closes at least 11 assembly and stamping plants and other supporting operations. EXTRAS Tardy trashcans tagged for ticketing, Council-commands. Those who are delinquent in putting away garbage cans beware. Your laziness may end up costing big bucks. The Ann Arbor City Council Monday night unanimously approved an ordinance that would fine homeowners and landlords up to $500 if they do not remove garbage cans from curbs within 24 hours of pickup. The council will vote on whether or not to adopt this ordinance at its next meeting. City Attorney Bruce Laidlaw said a fine may be decided in court, because the violation would be considered a civil infraction, or garbage cans would be confiscated and owners would have to pay for the costs of confiscation and retrieval. At the suggestion of Councilmember Larry Hahn (R-Fourth Ward), final legislation will include provisions to fine landlords whose tenants throw out old furniture and large items when they move out at the end of the school year. Laidlaw said actual fines would probably be rare; the city sends a warning letter first. He added that the legislation is designed to go after 4 chronic offenders. , -by Michael Lustig If you see news happen, call 76-DAILY. Vol. XCVIl-No. 114 The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967 X) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms. Subscription rates: September, through April-$18 in Ann Arbor; $35 outside the city. One, term-$10 in town; $20 outside the city. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and sub scribes to Pacific News Service and the Los Angeles Times Syndicate. I r 4 4 I S ayYes To 10 Great Years I BRIARWOOD RUN +e 187 .RS Events 5Km Open Run 10Km Open Run 20Km Open Run Entry Fees All runs $6.00 without Long Sleeve Shirt $10.00 with Long Sleeve Shirt Late entry fee after March 29 $9.00 without Long Sleeve Shirt $13.00 with Long Sleeve Shirt All entry fees are non-refundable. Proceeds to benefit the children of Washtenaw County through the Galens Medical Society, University of Michigan medical students volunteer services. ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT SPORTING GOODS STORES AND INFORMATION CENTER AT BRIARWOOD' MALL. Headquarters Mail entries and make check payable to: Briarwood Run 100 Briarwood Circle Ann Arbor, MI 48108 For more information call: (313) 769-9610 or (313) 665-7052 Race Packets Pick up Race Packets at Briarwood Mall, Saturday, April 4 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. or 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. the morning of the race. Starting Time 9:00 a.m. Southwest corner of Briarwood Mall. Route Rural roads and lightly rolling hills. Maps provided. 10Km and 20Km courses are T.A.C. certified. Splits 20Km at 1 mile 5 kilo, 10 kilo, 15 kilo. 10Km at 3 and 4 mile marks. Aid Stations 20Km at every other mile from 3 miles through 11 miles. 10Km at 3 and 4 mile marks. 5Km at the finish. Merchandise Drawing Thousands of dollars in prizes. All registered participants are eligible for a merchandise drawing immediately following the race in Grand Court, You MUST be present to win. Awards Awards for 5Km, 10Km and 20Km Open Runs. Individual awards for the top 5 finishers in the following age groups for men and women: 19- under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and over. Team Awards Neighborhood Teams An award will be given to the team with the most participants to finish in all events combined. Corporate Teams consist of 5 to 15 runners at a sponsorship cost of $300.00, includes 10 free t-shirts, additional t-shirts $4.00 each. Donation is tax deductible. Awards will be given to the team with the top five finishers in each event. Corporate entry forms are available at the Briarwood Information Center, or call (313) 769- 9610. *Special thanks to the City of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township and County of Washtenaw, Galens and Burger King. Results compiled by Burns Computer Service. Videotaped finish. SPONSORED BY/ NIVERSY' ,7 MICHIGAN 'CENTER . -- XtARE Sunday April 5,1987 Ann Arbor, Mich. ENTRY FORM NAME (LAST, FIRST) Please print clearly in spaces provided. Mail entries and make checks payable to: Briarwood Run, 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor MI 48108 For information call: (313) 769-9610 or 665-7052 ADDRESS AGE PHONE MALE FEMALE F F CITY STATE ZIP HII 11111 F In emergency, call: Name Phone If running as a team Neighborhood Corporate (see above) Name of Team Please Check: Entry Fee $6.00 ___ 5Km ___.10Km. ___ 20Km Morning of Registration 6:30-8:00 a.m. WAIVER Running a road race involves risks of serious injury. Potholes and other surface defects exist in the course. Motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and animals may accidentally or deliberately create hazards. Also, the physical strain of a long-distance race can lead to serious health problems. I have read the above and understand this statement and agree to assume all risks of personal injury or other physical or emotional ailment. I hereby waive all liability claims against the City of Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township, County of Washtenaw, Briarwood Merchants Association, University of Michigan Medical Editor in Chief................................ROB EARLE Managing Editor ............AMY MINDELL News Editor......................PHILIP I. LEVY Features Editor..........................MELISSA BIRKS NEWS STAFF: Elizabeth Atkins, Eve Becker, Steve Blonder, Rebecca Blumenstein, Jim Bray, Brian Bonet, Scott Bowles, Paul Henry Cho, Dov Cohen, Rebecca Cox, Hampton Dellinger, Leslie Eringaard, Martin Frank, Pam Franklin, Stephen Gregory, Edward Kleine, Steve Knopper, Vibeke Laroi, Carrie Loranger, Michael Lustig, Jerry Markon, Edwin McKean, Andy Mills, Tim Omarzu, Eugene Pak, Melissa Ramsdell, Martha Sevetson, Wendy Sharp, Louis Stancato, Steven Tuch, David Webster, Jennifer Weiss, Rose Mary Wunmmel Opinion Page Editors........PETER MOONEY HENRY PARK OPINION PAGE STAFF: Muzammil Ahmed, Tim Bennett, Peter Ephross, Paul Honsinger, Tim Huet, Lisa Jordan, Jeffrey Rutherford, Caleb Southworth, Arlin Wasserman, Mark Williams. Arts Editors..........................REBECCA CHUNG SETH FLICKER Books.......................SUZANNE MISENCIK Features.................................ALAN PAUL Film.................................KURT SERBUS Music..................................BETH FERTIG Theatre...........LAUREN SCHREIBER ARTA CTAL'"V iI DFt-...,I....... I r.... Sports Editor........................SCOTT G, MILLER Associate Sports Editors...............DARREN JASEY RICK KAPLAN GREG MOLZON, ADAM OCHLIS JEFF RUSH SPORTS STAFF: Jim Downey, Liam Flaherty, Allen Gelderloos, Kenneth Goldberg, Chris Gordillo, Shelly Haselhuhn, Julie Hollman, Walter Kopf, Rob Levine, Jill Marchiano, Ian Ratner, Adam Schefter, Adam Schrager, Scott Shaffer, Pete Steinert, Douglas Volan, Peter Zellen, Bill Zolla. Photo Editors..........................SCOTT LITUCHY ANDISCHREIBER PHOTO STAFF: Leslie Boorstein, Karen Handelman, Dana Mendelssohn, John Munson, Darrian Smith, Grace Tsai. Business Manager..................MASON FRANKLIN Sales Manager............................DIANE BLOOM Finance Manager...............REBECCA LAWRENCE' Classified Manager....................GAYLE SHAPIRO Assistant Sales Manager.................ANNE KUBEK Assistant Classified Manager................AMY EIGES DISPLAY SALES: Karen Brown, Kelly Crivello, Irit ; Elrad, Missy Hambrick, Ginger Heyman, Denise Levy, Wendy Lewis, Jason Liss, Jodi Manchik, Laura Martin. Mindy Mendonsa, Scott Metcalf, Carolyn Add $4.00 for Long Sleeve Shirt:._ Sm. _ Med. __Lg. X-Lg. Late registration after March 29: $9.00 Entry Fee, $13 with Shirt I Signature - I l