English-only bill could create civil rights problems

http://minnesotaindependent.com/76468/english-only-bill-could-create-civil-rights-problems-groups-say

This bill, that would make Minnesota's official language English, could create many problems for many of our systems. The article stated that in other states where similar bills were present, students were suspended for speaking other languages while walking down the halls at school, or were banded from registering to vote. There is currently voting instructions in six languages, including English, Hmong, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali. If you look at how many languages documents are printed, you can see the diversity that Minnesota has. I take pride in my state, and the fact that so many diverse cultures feel welcomed to call MN their home. If this bill goes through, it will greatly affect the state. How will these groups feel welcomed when they are being forced to speak English, or punished for not.
I post this article for multiple reasons, but mainly because it could be affecting our school systems. St. Cloud is well known for the diverse community we have. Though many are willing to learn English, they may feel threatened by this new bill. I see the positiveness of learning amongst other cultures, and hope that the bill does not scare off the multilingual culture we have in St. Cloud or Minnesota.