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S.J.R. 3
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5 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE RECOGNIZING THE ECONOMIC AND
6 CULTURAL BENEFIT OF PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH AND OTHER LANGUAGES;
7 AND REAFFIRMING UTAH'S ADVOCACY OF THE TEACHING OF OTHER
8 LANGUAGES.
9 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
10 WHEREAS, according to the 1990 U.S. Census, 94 % of U.S. citizens speak English;
11 WHEREAS, English is the unifying language of the United States, and the nation's citizens
12 recognize the importance of the English language to national prosperity and individual
13 accomplishment;
14 WHEREAS, the people of Utah promote the spirit of diversity with harmony represented
15 by the various cultures that make up the fabric of our state;
16 WHEREAS, Utah was part of Mexico until the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1845
17 wherein the United States insured protection of former Mexican citizens, made United States
18 residents by the treaty, and protected their linguistic rights to continue to speak Spanish;
19 WHEREAS, multilingualism has historically been an essential element of national security,
20 including the use of Navajo in the development of coded communications during World War II,
21 the Korean War, and the Vietnam War;
22 WHEREAS, multilingualism promotes greater cross-cultural understanding and benefit
23 between different racial and ethnic groups;
24 WHEREAS, many Utah residents are multilingual due to their participation in the
25 worldwide missionary work of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whose members,
26 among others, founded the state;
27 WHEREAS, the people of Utah acknowledge that "English Plus," or proficiency in English
28 and one or more additional languages, best serves the national interest since it promotes the
29 concept that all members of society have full access to opportunities to effectively learn English
30 plus develop proficiency in second or multiple languages;
31 WHEREAS, Salt Lake City and the citizens of Utah will host visitors from throughout the
32 world during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games; and
33 WHEREAS, the State Board of Regents and the nine institutions of higher education
34 require a minimum of four years of study in a foreign language as a condition of admission for
35 entering freshmen as acknowledgment that individuals who have the capability to communicate
36 in multiple languages have access to a wealth of opportunities economically, socially,
37 professionally, and personally:
38 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah reaffirm
39 its advocacy of the teaching of other languages in the United States and its belief that the position
40 of English is not threatened.
41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that proficiency in more than one language is to the
42 economic and cultural benefit of Utah, its citizens and the nation, whether proficiency derives from
43 second language maintenance plus English acquisition by speakers of other languages.
44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that proficiency in English plus other languages should be
45 encouraged throughout the state.
46 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the United States
47 Department of Education, the State Board of Regents, and the state's nine institutions of higher
48 education.
Legislative Review Note
as of 12-17-98 8:10 AM
A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.