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Judge Rules In Favor of Diocese in English-Only Case
A federal judge rules in favor of the Diocese of Wichita in a lawsuit filed by three Hispanic families. Reporter: KAKE NewsEmail Address: news@kake.com |
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Posted by: Bob
on Aug 18, 2008 at 06:57 AM
The St. Anne school issue reminds me of days working in Chicago. Over half of the employees were getting paid a bonus for speeking english while on the job. Then, I found out that most of them spoke good english outside of the office because they were required to take english as a second language back in the country where they grew up. I spoke good english while on the job but was discriminated against because I couldn't speak a foreign language to qualify me for the same bonus.
Posted by: thought so
on Aug 18, 2008 at 12:46 AM
To unknown..........You must really be JEALOUS of Clara....paint yourself brown!Aww maybe you'll feel better about yourself.
Posted by: unknown
Location: ks
on Aug 17, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Good for Mrs Silva for being involved in her kids fundraisers well good for her SHE SHOULD DO THAT. We all as parents do alot for our kids in school and fund-raisers. lol what are you saying she should be rewarded for her efforts in what is right with the kids.GET OVER YOURSELF WE ALL WOULD LIKE TO BE REWARDED OH I WAS AND IT DIDN'T HAVE TO DO WITH A LAWSUIT JUST SEEING THE HAPPINESS ON THE KIDS FACES WAS A BIGGER PAYMENT AND WHAT I BELIEVE IN MY SCHOOL THAT I SENT MY KIDS TOO.
Posted by: VERY SAD
on Aug 17, 2008 at 08:09 PM
I cant believe that the hatred of the people of Wichita is REALLY surfacing.I am a Mexican American and have friends of many races,my parents taught us love and respect in our home.BUT it saddens me to read all this Hate everyone has for the Silvas.Adam broke no laws the school year already started when these teachers felt threatened by spanish.What a shame that the situation got so out of control.I think if one little boy and three of his friends can scare a whole intire school the law should have been brought in but come on people sitting with another Hispanic boy and speaking a little spanish WOW thats really a crime? I think this isssue has just brought out the worst in people.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 17, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Posted by: Proud St Anna attendee on Aug 17, 2008 at 08:58 AM YOU NEED TO GET EDUCATED BECAUSE YOU SAID YOU ARE EITHER AMERICAN OR NOT!!! YOU MUST NOT REALIZE THAT CANADA,THE US, AND MEXICO ARE IN NORTH AMERICA WHICH MEANS MEXICANS AND CANADIANS ARE AMERICANS TOO!! SOME OF YOU PEOPLE NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WRITE..
Posted by: RACIST
on Aug 17, 2008 at 03:13 PM
YES I TO AM AN AMERICAN AND HAVE BEEN AROUND THE ST. ANNES CHURCH AND I DONT SPEAK SPANISH. I WAS THERE FOR ENGLISH AND SPANISH MASS SEVERAL TIMES. I SEEN ALL THE FUND RAISING CLARA AND MOSTLY HER FAMILY DID AND ALL THE SWEAT THEY PUT BEHIND ALL THE YEARS THEY ATTENDED. YOU WERE ALL SO NICE TO HER AND HER FAMILY AND YOU WERE BEING FAKE CHURCH GOING PEOPLE! THE LETTER THAT WAS SO CALLED WRITTEN TO THE HISPANIC KIDS WAS WRITTEN BY A FIFTH GRADE CHILD AND WAS AN OFFENSIVE LETTER,WHICH I FIND IT SO VERY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT SHE DIDNT HAVE HELP BY HER PARENTS. THE POINT IS ADAM DID NOTHING WRONG READ YOUR AUG.16 WICHITA NEWS PAPER. THE JUDGE SAID THE ONLY THING ADAM DID WRONG WAS SIT AT THE LUNCH TABLE WITH ANOTHER HISPANIC CHILD AND WHERE WAS THE FAIRNESS IN THAT. AND AS FOR CLARA BEING RUDE WELL YOU WERE PROBABLY LOOKING AT YOUR SELF IN THE MIRROR. SHE IS A VERY NICE PERSON IF YOU GIVE HER THE CHANCE TO TALK TO YOU. I WILL AGREE WITH YOU MIKE IS A VERY DELIGHTFUL GUY!
Posted by: St. Annes Parishoner
on Aug 17, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I am a member of St. Annes and personally know the family. I am sad for both sides. The church was not out of bounds at all on this issue. It was a case of Clara got upset because "how dare someone enforce rules on my kid!". Clara Silva is a rather rude and stuck up member of society in general that looks down upon others as she "thinks" she's better than everyone else including other Spanish speaking members of the Church. Her husband Mike is a delightful! second/third genration Mexican born here in the U.S. to a very nice family of English as their FIRST LANGUAGE! American Mexicans! Clara is clearly the manipulator and the puppet master of this family... I pray for her and her family. And please everyone Pray for St. Annes as we are all sadened.
Posted by: American Mexican
on Aug 17, 2008 at 10:53 AM
It's unfortunate that we now have a redneck church in a redneck town.
Posted by: unknown
Location: ks
on Aug 17, 2008 at 10:19 AM
hey: RASIST BEFORE YOU ALSO PLACE JUDGEMENT LEARN HOW YOU SOUND.I HAVE READ ALL THERE REMARKS AND YOU ALSO ACT LIKE YOU ARE NO BETTER THAN THE ONES THAT ARE AGAINST THE LAWSUIT.I RIGHTLY DONT CARE WHAT RACE YOU ARE AND DON'T CARE WHAT RACE ANY ONE OF THESE PEOPLE ARE ON HERE .HOWEVER, THIS IS ABOUT A FAMILY THAT HAD A LAWSUIT AND WAS SO SURE OF THEMSELVES OF WINNING WHEN ALL ALONG THEY KNEW THE RULE WAS "ENGLISH ONLY".I HAVE NOT HEARD ANY BAD THING THAT THE SCHOOL HAS SAID LIKE I HAVE HEARD THE LAWSUIT HAS MADE IT OUT TO BE. SO BEFORE YOU PLACE JUDGEMENT CLEAN UP YOUR OWN BACKYARD ABOUT BEING RACIST. O YES I AM MEXICAN AND VERY PROUD OF IT.SO WHATEVER RACE YOU ARE WE ALL LIVE TOGETHER IN THIS COUNTRY WE WORK TOGETHER WE LIVE BY EACH OTHER SO JUST BECAUSE THERE IS A RULE IN OUR SCHOOLS (PRIVATE) ITS THERE RULES.THIS IS NOT A PERFECT WORLD "NO WHERE".QUIT TEACHING OUR KIDS WE ARE DIFFERENT.
Posted by: Proud St Anna attendee
on Aug 17, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Racist - for you to bring up Hitler, makes you no better. No we're not taught not be a bunch of prejudice catholics either. For you that say you're doing the jobs no one else wants to do, that's not entirely 100% true either. I'm amazed that the comments were even made that the rule English only was threatening their heritage. However so? When off school property and at home are they not allowed to speak spanish? We're only talking a few hours a day that they speak English. I don't think that was too much to ask! Also I have a problem with people saying African American, Mexican American... you all that do that, are making this a race issue yourselves. It's America plain and simple and you're either an American or not.
Posted by: RACIST
on Aug 17, 2008 at 01:25 AM
I CANT BELIEVE ALL OF THE COMMENTS YOU MAKE TOWARDS THE MEXICAN PEOPLE. YOU CALL YOURSELVES MEMBERS OF THE ST ANNES CHURCH? YOU SHOULD PUT WHITES ONLY CHURCH ON YOUR ST ANNES SIGN .YOU WERE TAUGHT TO BE A BUNCH OF PREDJUDICE SO CALLED CATHOLICS.IM GLAD YOUR SEPERATING YOURSELVES FROM THE OTHER CATHOLIC CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.YOUR BIBLE MUST BE DIFFERENT AT ST. ANNES. I PERSONALLY WOULD BE ASHAMED TO SAY I WAS PART OR TOOK PART IN YOUR WHITES OLNLY CHURCH SHAME ON YOU I THINK ALL THE MEXICANS WHO GO TO SPANISH MASS THERE SHOULD LEAVE YOUR CHURCH THEY ARE TO GOOD FOR YOU. OH BY THE WAY IS HITLER A SAINT THERE?
Posted by: to sue
on Aug 17, 2008 at 01:06 AM
HEY SUE YOU NEED TO READ AUG. 16 NEWSPAPER
Posted by: Barney
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:08 PM
It is sad that the school's reputation is being tarnished because of this lawsuit. At my parish, we have several families that do not speak English as their 1st language, but they come to our school and they learn. They understand that English is to be spoken at school and their native language at home. The admin in this case was trying to maintain a healthy learning environment for everyone. The children in this case knew English- they just did not want to use it when they were speaking irreverantly. The policy would have been discriminatory if it were only applied to people based on sex, race or ethnicity. This policy applied to all students- thus it was not discrimination. I feel that the parents should have taught their children respect and how to act appropriately and this whole situation could have been avoided. Kudos to St. Anne's and the judge for making a hard, yet just decision.
Posted by: JOEL
Location: ODESSA, TEXAS
on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Yes , we all know this is America. If they want to talk English go to England and talk all the English you want. If you really want to talk the original language before your ancestor got here learn how to talk Native American. Dont' be ignorant you idiot. Go back to where ever your ancestors came from. Spanish was spoken here way before English.
Posted by: Mary
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:51 PM
I don't think the decision to require "English only" has anything to do with "who our country was founded by", prejudice or any of the other inane arguments I've heard so far. This is simply an issue of equality. The purpose of uniforms in parochial schools is to level the playing field as is the rule requiring english only. Like it or not, there is bullying, sniping, children making fun and keeping secrets, I understand some children and parents may feel penalized by the ruling, it's really about keeping and even playing field for all of the children.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 16, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Im sure when they enrolled their children in the school they knew it was an english speaking only school.....and in the U.S english is OUR language!! thanks
Posted by: Sue
Location: 67401
on Aug 16, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Big deal speak English....you knew the rules when you enrolled your kids in St.Anne's
Posted by: dbjkgjlaklgs
on Aug 16, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Anonymous on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:08 AM: Correction they do have spanish classes in the school! Thats why i think the silva's should have won!
Posted by: Espy
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I'm very proud of the Silva family for taking this to court. If you read todays paper you will see the whole story.. Adam Silva did nothing wrong. This is very sad that a child was put through all this by a school he very much loved and attended. I am a Mexican American who doesn't speak Spanish, why does everyone assume just cause your "spanish", "mexican" that you are illegal or you speak spanish?? This is our country like it or not we are home!!
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 16, 2008 at 12:21 PM
This rule was implemented to stop disrespectful comments right? well in that case the students shouldn't talk in between classes or during lunch!! I guess most of you have forgotten but everyone at one point in their life time has talked bad about a teacher! It doesn't matter what race you are everyone has done it! So if this rule was implemented to stop disrespectful comments towards the teachers then Sr. should ban talking throughtout the whole day!!
Posted by: Larry
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 11:55 AM
This ruling has nothing to do with being racist, we are a english speaking country and people need to respect that, learn to speak english and practice it in public or go back to the country you came from !!!!!
Posted by: brian
Location: wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I am glad to hear that the english only rule was upheld. In an english speaking school you should speak english. Wanna speak sanish? Do it in your own home or in mexico
Posted by: Reshem
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 10:35 AM
The case should never have gone to court. It's a private school and they can make any policy they see fit to make. But you're missing the bigger story. The rules are not made to pick on a minority student. The root problem sees to be a lack of respect on the part of these students. If the families can't see that, they should send their angels to public school.
Posted by: kanoklagirl
Location: kansas
on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Why is it alot of people think if you speak spanish you from Mexico? My hubby speaks spanish and he isn't from Mexico! Yes he is hispanic but not from mexico. He was born in Tx. and has never been to Mexico! And just because your hispanic doesn't mean you are Mexican! Geez get educated. This world needs to quiet being racist.
Posted by: Support the Students
Location: Anywhere
on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:37 AM
How sad that freedom of speech has been trampled once again, not to mention that this is a church school and therefor should be more forgiving as well. I would hop St. Annes reconsiders as well as offering Spanish classes for it's teachers. Maybe even some of those students or parents would be willing to teach them?
Posted by: dale
Location: dodge city
on Aug 16, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Catholic schools take pride in teaching students respect to other individuals. If the Mexican kids were using the Spanish language to be disguise disrespect, well then the consequences happen. Private schools have the right to make rules that are best for the teaching environment. English is the official language in the USA and should be used only in all schools.
Posted by: ronnie
Location: pratt
on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:21 AM
this is america,if these people want to speak spanish,then go back to mexico.
Posted by: Bob
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I as a member of St Annes, wonder if Jesus would have asked for English only, or are they forgetting their real purpose in teaching in a parochial school!
Posted by: James
Location: w
on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:58 AM
If you were in messico and calling people names in another language and were caught at it try suing for discrimination down there; HAHAHAHA; good ruling by the judge; it is time to stand up for the rights of the English speaking Legal residents of the USA
Posted by: Angela
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:39 AM
If the Silvas would recall their AMERICAN HISTORY (if they know it!), ENGLISH ONLY was required in schools from the time of World War I. This was for the safety of our country and the rule was not brought to bear in a court of law. Now, instead of letting rules be rules and teach the three R's, the schools must waste time being touchy feely and politically correct and have assemblies on character education and bullying. These traits were taught at home by our parents and elders and carried through to school. Respect for others and rules against all bullying were unwritten but understood to be in force AND ENFORCED. It should not be necessary to spell out basic rules of conduct. My husband (a teacher) has had to deal with bullying and harassment by students AND parents in another language. He does not have the right to sue unless bodily harm is a result. But he is certainly held responsible and liable for allowing it to happen even though he does not speak the language. RESPECT RESPECT
Posted by: Calvin
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:33 AM
I think that having english only doe's discriminate. Those words "english only" is just like saying, asian,black,latino,and white only. The only difference is it's about language instead of culture background. I think that every cultural language is important and should be embraced with an open mind.
Posted by: unknown
Location: ks
on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:21 AM
I would like to know what good came out of the Silvas lawsuit and what they believe in. We all stand up for ourselves however,we all are human and they thought as they seen. and the excuse to get there 5 minute of fame and same song and dance but what gets me they took 2 other families with them thru all this.Cause they were in the news like the silvas or on the front of the newspaper.And Why didn't Mrs Silva walk out with her son instead of in front of him to me he needed her more than, than on the cover of a newspaper lol and also talk about her this was about the child was it.
Posted by: dawn
Location: wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 07:07 AM
I'm really pround that someone stood up finally. You come over here from mexico to have a better life, then why not adapt all the way? If you want to speak spanish then speak it at home. Because after all you wanted to come here we didn't make you come here. SO I JUST THING ITS FAIR TO SPEAK ENGLISH ONLY. We are the only country that makes things easy for everybody else, except our own.
Posted by: Mildred
Location: Kansas
on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:53 AM
Need more Judges in thinking for the USA! Our forefathers learned to speak English why such a turn around in thinking the new ones come to try to make the laws their way. If they do not like the USA ways leave them go back to the Country they left! This Judge deserves an A-Plus. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Mike
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:17 AM
I think this is a real testiment to standing by your gun. I think ALL schools should adopt it and ENFORCE IT!For that matter I think they should mandate it in all public facilitys. How do I know that someone speaking in "tongue" right beside me isnt planning to do bodily harm to me or my family? And what about when one of them is hurt, I wont have any more idea what is hurting than I would my dog!
Posted by: Praise God
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:10 AM
As a member of St. Anne's, I'm glad the administration stood their ground. There is nothing wrong with requiring people to speak in our official language, especially when kids were bullying others. I've traveled to several countries, and it is expected that a traveler is to know enough of that language to get by. Speaking a native language in certain circumstances is OK, but not at schools, businesses, or government agencies. It is a law that in order to become a citizen of the US, one must know English. Have we forgotten that?
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 16, 2008 at 06:08 AM
If the children choose to speak spanish and no body around them can understand,who says they aren't back talking the teachers, cussing, or being disrespectful to other students? What kind of children will they grow up to be if they don't learn limits? If the teachers don't know what they are saying, how are they suppose to teach them right and wrong? Maybe these parents should push for the diocese to start teaching spanish classes and not fight the rules that were in place before they decided to sent their children to that school.
Posted by: Ray
Location: Salina
on Aug 16, 2008 at 04:04 AM
It's about time a federal judge had the intestinal fortitude to see right through this and rule in the favor of the Catholic school. The way I see it, you come to this country, LEARN TO SPEAK EHGLISH!! I sick and tired of hearing "PRESS 1 TO CONTINUE IN ENGLISH."
Posted by: Sunshine
Location: Wichita
on Aug 16, 2008 at 12:23 AM
AMEN for the Judge's ruling. He has my vote. The primary language in this country is English. If the parent's want their children to speak Spanish in school maybe they should move back to Mexico and enroll them in school there. Thanks to Father Leland for protecting the students of St Anne's. It is rude for Hispanics to speak Spanish in public when they know other people around them don't and teaching your children to do the same shows no respect for our country as you do when you litter our streets and trash our neighborhoods. Americans have respect for their country, their rules and each other. Get with the program or get out!
Posted by: Serindipityb
Location: Salina
on Aug 16, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Go Judge!!!!!!!!!!!Wish there were more like lyou.. They come to America.. They need to speak English if they want to speak spanich at home and with friends fine. But Learn English and stop taking up law space trying to change us to MEXICO.. If you want to have Spanish then Go BACK TO MEXICO.. I Hear there is some still spoken their.. The few that are not here making demands..
Posted by: Johnny
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:45 PM
So obviously the point to all this is that Sr. Margaret doesn't want Hispanics in "her" school. Only one child was expelled but do you realize how many more are leaving?? For some of you that don't know how the Catholic School System works I'll tell you, We have to pay taxes for the school district we are in to keep up public schools and then we have to tithe (10% of your income) to the catholic church that is supporting the school our child is attending. So for St. Anne's School that means they will lose money! But most important they will lose students and parishoners. Because of this rule many people were hurt! But I would like to thank the Silva's for standing up for what is right! Although they lost the case, they should be proud for what they have done.
Posted by: RedWhiteBlue
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Everyone is proud of their heritage -- they just understand what it takes to live in a developed nation -- adherence to the laws and respect for their fellow citizens. The Silvas et al while they are teaching their Mexican heritage children to be proud of it should also spend some time teaching their children some gratitude for even living in the U.S.A. Or perhaps the U.S.A. should adopt the immigration laws of Mexico???
Posted by: L. S.
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:36 PM
When you're in America, speak English. When you visit other countries, they EXPECT you to speak their language. If you're not happy with the English language, go back to where you came from. Good decision, Judge.
Posted by: kn
Location: augusta
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:33 PM
1. It's a private school. They can make any rules they want, that's why it's called "private." If you don't like go elsewhere. 2. This is America.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Appeal!!! Appeal!!!! Appeal!!! APPEAL!!!
Posted by: Member of st anne
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I personnaly know Sr. Margaret and I've never thought she was racist. I think this was a mistake to implement this rule. The Diocese didn't lose nor did the Silva's. The people that actually lost were the Hispanic students who attend or will be attending St.Anne's. And I'm greatful that the Silva's stood up for the Hispanic community. Yes I get it we are in the US but the US was formed from immigrants! So I dont get why there is such a big fuss about it!! Hispanics dont take your jobs they take the ones you dont want!! They dont take your money they give you money!! So I dont understand what you are complaining about!!
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:19 PM
represent your heritage all you want but do it in your own country, GO BACK TO MEXICO where you belong in the first place!
Posted by: JJ
on Aug 15, 2008 at 11:12 PM
LL: Actually I do know they are white I just came from there!! and i'm light skinned also and happen to be Hispanic!! I thought it would be easier to say white so you people can understand, but if you rather me say caucasian then there you go!!! all i have to say is I'm hispanic and learned English so if your white (caucasian) and dont know how to speak Spanish then I suggest you go learn!!!
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: n/a
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:54 PM
I think that the silva's should have won this case how do all you people now that the money is going just 2 them? its probably going to the lawyers. Its unjust that a child barely in 6th grade is being discriminated against!! but honestly take a look around who is getting paid more in jobs? Thats right the bilingual people!! and if st annes doesnt want people speaking spanish then why do they have spanish classes there? huh?
Posted by: unknown
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:52 PM
A BIG THANK YOU!!! To Sister for hanging in there! I'm sure it was hard and stressful. I get REALLY TIRED of the Mexicans coming over here to America and think they can do what they want. I think when they are out in public or at a work place they need to speak ENGLISH. I'm tired of hearing nothing but chitter chatter when im at work or out in public. Doesn't anyone remember the people that died for us fighting for our Country. COME ON, WAKE UP EVERYONE!!! There needs to be a law that you need to speak English in the U.S. Hopefully after this all happened the Mexicans will be running back to Mexico.
Posted by: AzZcLoWnKiNg69
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:31 PM
As a Catholic, who is also Mexican American, I am proud of the Silva family for standing up in what they believe in. There are no winners in this case, as stated above(by a higher intelligence), therefore you all racist pigs should be ashamed for writing these comments on here. Show a little dignity, in fact, learn how to spell and use correct grammar. What example are the Silvas teaching their children? How to stand up for themselves...maybe...and not to be afraid to represent their heritage?
Posted by: Jane
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:17 PM
I am happy and relieved about the judge's decision in the English-only case. This is USA, and so far an English speaking country. Why shouldn't we expect everyone to speak our language, especially if they are fluent in English. I believe it encourages a hostile environment when Mexicans speak Spanish in front of Americans, when they know the Americans don't speak their language. It is really rude.
Posted by: Ginger
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:12 PM
United States of AMERICA... Good Job St. Anne for sticking to your bilaws and rules and not backing down
Posted by: Dylan
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:12 PM
This is America, Our official language is English, and Kansas official language is English, Learn it and Speak it or Get Out. People speaking other languages causes problems @ Work, School, and many other Public Places. My Niece knows Spanish well and says the mexicans in wal-mart are always talking trash about all the people by them In Spanish and people never know it. That is Wrong. Same with all the people around here speeking other languages besides English.
Posted by: Jeff
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:11 PM
We went to Mexico for our honeymoon, thinking surely someone would know English once we got down there, No No they didn't. We had to ADAPT to THEIR Customs not vice versa. Judge you have my vote at election time.
Posted by: Craig
Location: Wichita, KS
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:08 PM
It is sad that a family has to fight like this. I am a recent convert to Catholicism, a member of St Anne's as well. I speak English, descended from Pocahontas, my forefathers learned English, why can't the HIspanics learn it. There are no winners here. God loves all people. He is our creator and our ultimate judge. I pray our church will heal from this tragedy. I feel for the children as I was teased in school. It's not fun.
Posted by: Lynn
Location: Wichita, Ks
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:06 PM
4 words THIS IS THE USA.
Posted by: Mellissa
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 10:05 PM
This is america. We speak english.
Posted by: CJ
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Thanks Judge.I hope others out there learned from this.
Posted by: LL
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 08:00 PM
JJ: I have Hispanic relatives that are actually white and their first language is Spanish. Did you know that people in Spain are white? Our Consistitution was written in English not Spanish.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2008 at 07:56 PM
When you visit a foreign country; It's a sign of respect to learn their language.
Posted by: Bout time
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Now there is a GREAT Judge!
Posted by: unknown
Location: ks
on Aug 15, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Mrs Silva you stated you lost 20 pounds i found it due to your husband that help put my child in !!!! .I hope your son likes going to public school cause now he has more headaches ahead for you (over crowded rooms and more problems)You parents have cause your child to get teased and bullied by the actions that you parents have.You have taught your children to carry the bitterness you parents have on there shoulders. GREAT PARENTING!!! WAY TO GO VERDICT, THERE IS JUSTICE!!! WOO HOO Oh yea pay back what you have caused this private school and have your child due some Community service for his actions.
Posted by: A former SA parent
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 06:29 PM
I am very pleased with the verdict. I hope now that healing can occur for the St Anne community. I pray all can be healed.
Posted by: Teresa
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 06:01 PM
As a mexican american catholic I totally agree with the judges decision. When we ask to send our children to catholic school, we also agree to follow their rules and regulations. If we choose not to the we have the free choice to send them to public schools. These children are blessed to know two languages, they just need to understand as they grow older that there will be rules to follow whether we like them or not, be it at school or work. I don't know what these parents were thinking and the EXAMPLE they just showed their children.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: ICT
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:59 PM
United States of America, not the Federation of the American Mexican States. Deal with it.
Posted by: B.R.
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:58 PM
This country has always been an English-speaking country. The Mexicans would expect us to speak Spanish if we were there. The families need to send their children elsewhere if they want them to speak Spanish. If someone comes into this country and wants to become a LEGAL citizen and ATTEMPTS to speak English, I will have respect for them. I will make an attempt to learn their language when I visit their country. Thank you to the judge for his ruling!
Posted by: Tina
Location: Kansas
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Re: Anonymous Location: na on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:53 PM You are correct that it is not right for anyone to categorically discriminate against any person because of race, religion, or creed. Theoretically, except for the Native Americans, all of our ancestors came to America from elsewhere. The British colonized first, and English became the language Americans speak today. Our ancestors did not yell 'discrimination' when they were told the expectations.. they were so happy that they were able to live in America that they were willing to do whatever it took to stay and belong, including following the rules. Rules are created for everyone's safety. Too many people feel they can bend the rules by yelling 'discrimination', and people want to look 'politically correct', so certain people have learned to use it to their advantage. If you do not like America and her rules, leave. The same goes for the school.. follow the rules or go elsewhere.
Posted by: garcia
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:42 PM
To the people who believe that the childrens freedom of speech has been tarnished COME ON! They were given a rule to follow they chose not to follow that rule and screamed that their freedom of speech and heritage was being taken away from them, once again COME ON!These children are pawns in a plan to get something for nothing. What were these parents thinking of ,surely not there children because that is something that a good parents does not want there children to learn. Something gained easily gained is easily lost. One more question , who is paying for this trial ,All the people who donated money to the church for charieties that needed the money for thing such as food.SHAME on the parents for trying to take from the poor and keep it for themselves.
Posted by: Susan
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Isn't this really about respect and rules? The parents knew this and the kids knew this, and the court ruling reinforces the premise that we have to live by rules, and we have to respect authority.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:26 PM
I think this was all preventable if Sr. would have just taken the rule out!! She said she put this rule to stop "clicks" but it dosen't matter if you go to private or public school or if you are white,black,asian, or hispanic there will always be clicks!!! It dosen't matter what language you speak!!!
Posted by: T
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Finally, someone saw the light. GOOD JOB to the Judge. These parents need to quit using their children as an excuse to make a buck. None of the teachers at that PRIVATE school hurt any of the students, this is a good lesson for them to learn, rules are enforced, don't agree with them or like them, easy answer, move on down the road. The parents should be ashamed of themselves for putting their children through that.
Posted by: Justin
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Thank God. Think of the problems this would have started if it went the other way. You would have every spanish speaker in the country trying to sue everytime someone told them not to speak english. I think that we can see the majority here are happy. Except that one lonely soul that asked what is happening in this country. Well, today this country was a little more preserved. This has nothing to do with freedom of speech, it is like saying bomb on an airplane. There are just times and places for everything, talking spanish in school is not it. Thank you judge for a just ruling.
Posted by: JJ
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:08 PM
I think this is really sad the Silva's should've won!!! They stood up for what they belive and Yea its America but everyone who is bilingual is getting paid for speaking more then just ENGLISH!!! If hispanics need to learn ENGLISH then whites should learn how to speak SPANISH and learn how to work!!!
Posted by: Tina
Location: Kansas
on Aug 15, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Re: Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:40 PM That is a shame ST Anne won.Freedom of speech in any language what is happening to this country? Anonymous, Where is the line drawn between freedom of speech and verbal abuse? Is it OK for people to ridicule and demean others as long as it is in another language? This was a case that should not have even gone to court. Children attend school to receive an education, and the students should feel safe to maximize their potential for learning. Rules and regulations need to be followed by ALL students. The rule was in place, and the children and parents were aware of the consequenses. Since they are in America, they had a choice to stay and follow the rules of the private school, or to go to a different school. Personally, I feel the parents should be held responsible to pay the bill for all of the services utilized in this case instead of the tax-payers.
Posted by: Queen1
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:57 PM
I am very sad to live in a city that is apparently ignorant and still racist. This was not a case involving immigrants who refuse to learn English. It was about the right of a fine boy to speak a second language with his friends during lunch. Mostly it was about how adults hurt children by their actions and because of their intractable policies and tempers. Sr. got mad, felt challenged and used her position as a Religious and an administrator to abuse a child's self esteem. I thought the days of knuckle rapping in Catholic schools was over. Shame on you Bob Voboril and shame on you Sister.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: na
on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:53 PM
yes this is AMERICA...but this wasn't just for people who speak spanish.....I was told by teachers when i went to school 5 years ago not to speak spanish during class..and I understand that its disrepectful but to separate the kids....to not tell parents about it just like everthing else that is sent home is pretty harsh...and btw this is the United States OF America...obviously this is alot more too it...maybe someone should make a "frivolous" lawsuit to take spanish out of schools...to take french out of schools, german japanese...to tell other kids..that aren't HISPANIC to stop speaking in "there" language...maybe we should just forget that we dont pay anyone medical bills...people that work, and pay bills and the doctors aren't taking for the tax payers...maybe we should argue with Canada about how they have FREE health coverage..even if it's an emergency surgery..maybe we should help people in Africa who can't afford to eat...I could keep going on with examples..back ure info up!
Posted by: Tracy
Location: Houston TX
on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:47 PM
I have been following this case ever since I first saw it on CNN last year. I am so thrilled with the verdict. Now lets hope the 3 families will get some common sense and not appeal the verdict. It should end right here.
Posted by: c
on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Some of you people are crazy, this is AMERICA our primary language is ENGLISH do you really think for 1 second if we were in mexico that they would help us????? No !!! But come to AMERICA us slave tax payers will be sure that your language is on everything you buy O and don't you worry will pick up the tab on your medical bills and hey why not will foot your grocery bill and put your kids through school, I mean get a grip!!! And we cannot figure out why or economy is bad, it couldnt possibily be from the hundreds of millions of dollars you give out to people that don't try to help themselves and tax the hell out of the ones who try to make a honest living, I mean how can you afford to buy anything extra when your paying for everyone else. And then your going to say O the poor mexicans cant speak spanish in AMERICAN schools. GET A GRIP.
Posted by: mary
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Thank you for a fair judgement. It really takes away from learning when kids have to worry about other children bullying and name calling in their first language.
Posted by: Interested
Location: Kansas
on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Justice prevailed. Thanks.
Posted by: nellie
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:09 PM
This is wonderful! This is America not Mexico...we speak English here...if you dont like then maybe you need to reconsider where you live.
Posted by: S
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:56 PM
Is anyone really suprised by this?
Posted by: carlos friles
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:53 PM
a child that can speak more than one language is commendable.the prie language shoul be supreme,especially when it is the language the world has chosen.people must realize their attitude is only hurting their children.
Posted by: Diocese
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:48 PM
I feel sorry for Adam he was clearly manipulated by his parents and taught that sinful deceit is OK!?
Posted by: Chris
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Haha. Good. Now maybe these kids will have to follow the rules. As unhappy as the parents are who wants to bet that they still keep their kids there. Even they know public schools are horrible otherwise their kids would go to Cloud or Horsemann
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:40 PM
That is a shame ST Anne won.Freedom of speech in any language what is happening to this country? As for the parents of the students that attend the school there are other "good schools" they can attend. Take your money eles where.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Good Job Judge!! About time someone makes them realize that English is the language here! If we went there we'd have to learn Spanish so it works too ways!! Good Verdict!!!
Posted by: cpt kirk
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:36 PM
oh this is wonderful. and yes the parents should repay the church, and also do some self reflection about who they are. i look forward to hearing about the "victim" children when they get a reality check in public school......good luck lil ones, you'll need it.
Posted by: Maria
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Yea No wonder there are so many young gang members Parents do not teach their children to respect authority This is the US speak English
Posted by: AAWG
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Thank goodness.
Posted by: FrogBabyJake
Location: Wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:17 PM
I hope the families shortsighted enough to have filed this frivolous lawsuit are required to reimburst the Diocese for the money spent fighting it. Come on people, just because you CAN do something does not mean you SHOULD do it.
Posted by: unknown
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 03:14 PM
it is a good rule because it became a problem and some kids were cussing at the other kids and that made them just as upset as it made the mexican children and hey, this is america englsh is the native language and if there is a problem then they need to solve it and if they can't speak english then they need to learn
Posted by: Anonymous
on Aug 15, 2008 at 02:42 PM
kkkkopopppppoppp
Posted by: cliff
Location: wichita
on Aug 15, 2008 at 02:23 PM
wouldnt it be funny if the way they worded the rule that they couldnt teach latin in the school? |
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Judge Marten looked over to the St. Anne administration at the end of the trial and said, "I find this quite interesting . . . that there was no problem prior to the English-only rule. English was already agreed upon as the language you speak at all times. But you implemented a ruled without any consultation to the group that it would impact the most. You were actually recruiting people telling them you have a bilingual mass . . . yet you made no efforts to discuss accommodations, a compromise, nothing? Seeking solutions as a matter of mutual respect." It sounds like the Hispanic community did serve a purpose for St. Anne's. After they recruited the Hispanic families, they earned them more federal funding, and threw them out when they were done. St. Anne Klan uses Hispanics like toilet paper. What happened to the Golden Rule? Oh yeah . . . that only applies to the race you see as "your" equal. I bet this is all happening behind the guise of religion. Shame on you St. Anne Klan.
Read this you need to catch up on facts he is not only black to my knowledge he is mixed and very much respects both races.So for you to want something like that so bad.I hope your theory on how this world is going to turn out is right on point.What puzzles me is that you still live in kansas and not beside the next president telling him how bad the world is and who is good,and how it would be... if you help with who is right and who is wrong and who is bad and who is good.Thank god he is a lot more educated than that to place some troubled minded human being to stand beside him. But with that attitude you might be prez in the prison system lol (not really just playin).
ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK GOD WERE GONNA HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT! I FEEL FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE PREDJUDICE! WE WILL FINALLY HAVE A WONDERFUL USA!
I would LOVE to remind everyone That this is not our Issue the Issue belongs to The Silva family.This has never happened to me or my family personally. Everyone has gotten out of hand on the remarks.I hope and pray nothing ever happens to anyone But good,The Silvas obviously thought the Issue was Very Important so let Them take care of it Im sure everyone has better things to do including myself.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
i am not a cracker thank-you and I am not hungry also i don't eat soup in the summertime. Why are you a cracker? lol Oh yea where in the heck do you get someone is jealous when you posted the fundraising comment first. When I said I did fundraiserS for my kids and didn't or want to be payed back FROM my kids school. I would not think that was jealousy.So if anyone is jealous I wonder if you are not jealous of me someone that can do and not want anything back in return. GO JEALOUS PERSON!!! CAUSE I REALLY WASN'T PUTTING MRS SILVA DOWN I THINK THAT WAS THOUGHTFUL HOWEVER YOU SHOULD NOT WANT ANYTHING IN RETURN EXCEPT THE SMILE ON YOUR CHILDS FACE AND HIS CLASS MATES OR ENTIRE SCHOOL.SO IF I AM WRONG FOR BEING A PROUD MEXICAN WHO EATS CRACKERS AND DOES GOOD FOR MY KIDS SCHOOL I CALL MYSELF A GREAT PARENT.
These type of problems don't exist where the community is of a diversified people of common sense. So much for Cowtown USA.
thats all thats been posted hateful name calling nobody likes to be offended no matter what color you are
Hey Thought So: If you don't want to be called something derogatory, then don't call white people "crackers." If a white person posted a bad name for you, well, I doubt KAKE would allow it.
We all know Canada and Mexico are in N. America. However, to distinguish between the three, people in the US call themselves American. I took the same class in college where they cram all that PC garbage down your throat. Just because we think that the Silva boy and the two others should follow the rules of a PRIVATE school does not mean we are racist. I know there are jerks making awful comments about Mexicans and that is wrong. However, we need a common language and since our Consistution is written in English, everyone who comes to this country needs to learn it. By the way, our family is Mexican/European/N. American Indian and we are all fine speaking English. We have very little if any English ancestry & we have managed to get along just fine.
EVERYONE HAS ALOT OF HATE IN WICHITA this is really SCAREY.
Hey Bob read your comment
To unknown I do not do the fund raising there now nor would I ever.That catholic school has ripped apart enough people.READ YOUR OWN ARTICLE THAN YOU WILL SEE WHY I WOULD SAYYOUR JEALOUS.So wuat if your already brown act it theres enough CRACKERS out there already.
The judge might have gave a verdict for the school.However,this was a case of a childs parents wanting to change the system and used the child and other kids to do so without good cause.They had no real grounds to a lawsuit that I could see and also the school (privite) has the right to punish a child as fit.The parents does not go with the child to all classes and to lunch ect.. so we have to listen to what the child was telling them and OH YEA KIDS TELLS PARENTS WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR.SO WE AS PARENTS NEED TO LOOK ON BOTH SIDES TO FIND OUT WHO IS REALLY THE VICTIM.HE'S A CHILD THAT WILL PLAY UP TO HIS PARENTS AND THE SCHOOL WAS IN THE WRONG TO NOT STOP IT SOONER.TO THE SILVAS DID YOU TAPE YOUR SON WHILE HE WAS BEING VICTIMIZED BY THE SCHOOL? THEN TO ME YOU WOULD HAVE GOOD CAUSE TO THE LAWSUIT BUT IF YOU DIDNT THEN YOU WERE ALSO A VICTIM THEN SUE YOUR SON(NOT REALLY).
Hey thought so-- I don't know Clara so for me to be jealous of someone I would give her a chance to no her.And for me to paint a color on me I am brown so thank-you very much.However, Are you jealous of Clara and I do feel good about myself and always have but I will not be or try to be more than I am.So as far as you- you go girl!!!! and what I wrote has no jealousy to it.Reread it before you tell me I am jealous of someone "ARE YOU". OH YEA, ARE YOU DOING HER FUND-RAISERS NOW LOL.THE JUDGE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION ON THIS AND HE MIGHT NOT OF DONE ANYTHING WRONG BUT AS THE PARENTS THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO GO ELSEWHERE FOR THERE KIDS SAKE AND THE SCHOOL(PRIVATE)HAS THE RIGHT TO ASK THE CHILD TO GO ELSEWHERE.AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM!!!
I feel for some of you people who have nothing better to do other than pick on everything Clara Silva does GET OVER IT ALL THE JUDGE SAD ADAM DID NOTHING WRONG!There should never be a line during confession time at St.Annes with all you perfect people.(SINNERS)