CAMBRIDGE, MA -- November 1, 2002 -- The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) held an important meeting on October 30 at the health and social service agency's Cambridge office for interested community members and MAPS staff to discuss bilingual education and learn what practical steps we can take to protect this important program. Representatives of Vote No on 2 of the Committee for Fairness to Children & Teachers, spoke on the importance of bilingual education and the need for advocacy and support to the issue.

Paulo Pinto, Executive Director of MAPS and himself a product of bilingual education, spoke of the impact the program had on his life. "Bilingual education is an important tool to improve kids' self-esteem, mental health and academic achievement, and it should be preserved," he said.

The meeting also featured a lively discussion around the motivations for opposing bilingual education, including growing anti-immigrant sentiment. Organizers also listed reasons for voting against Question 2-a proposal propelled by what Pinto called "the failed and costly extreme views against bilingual education" displayed by proponent Ron Unz; a potential increase in drop-out rates, and the danger that legal action could be taken against teachers who speak to students in their native languages.

MAPS urges all community members to take important practical steps to support saving bilingual education. It is possible to adhere to a mini-visibility campaign that can help bring the subject to the attention of the public. Simple ways include wearing a pin or a sticker that opposes the Unz initiative, or holding a sign in public that says "Vote No on 2."

There are bumper stickers available for your car, posters for your house and other ways that you can effectively support this issue. Bilingual education will make sure that kids learn proper English properly and that all are given chances to succeed and continue in school.

MAPS is a private, nonprofit organization that has provided a variety of health and social services to Cape Verdeans, Brazilians, Portuguese and others in Massachusetts since 1970. The agency has offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Dorchester, Allston and Lowell. For more information, please call MAPS at (617) 864-7600 or visit the MAPS Website at www.maps-inc.org

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Copyright © 2002 Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Inc. All rights reserved.