ACLU voices concern over bilingual staff cuts

The ACLU of Michigan sent a letter to Detroit Public Schools (DPS) emergency manager Darnell Earley expressing concern over the announcement this month that bilingual clerical staff from several schools in Southwest Detroit will be dismissed.

“Elimination of staff who can communicate with limited English proficient parents of children attending DPS schools poses a great threat to their civil rights,” reads the letter. “We urge you to reconsider the elimination of these positions and the federally-protected services they provide.”

The ACLU also tied the staffing to academic performance in struggling schools.

“At a time when DPS is trying to improve the academic performance of ELL learners and increase parent involvement, it is imperative that bilingual staff positions be retained at the schools where these populations are the greatest.”

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