Texas Principal Put On Leave For Banning Hispanic Students From Speaking Spanish In School

A principal at Texas' Hempstead Middle School has been put on leave for banning students from speaking Spanish at school. Principal Amy Lacey ordered students to stop speaking Spanish in an announcement over the intercom. According to KHOU 11 News, Lacey is now on paid administrative leave while the district investigates. The comments were made back on Nov. 12, although it took more than two weeks for a letter to be sent home by the superintendent.

Hempstead Middle School has a predominantly Hispanic student population. The principal's comments have been seen as discriminatory by many students for whom Spanish is their first language. Sixth-grade student Kiara Lozano told KHOU 11 that "people don't want to speak it no more, and they don't want to get caught speaking it because they're going to get in trouble." The letter from the superintendent went home on Dec. 2 stating that "neither the district or any campus has any policy prohibiting the speaking of Spanish."

Laurie Bettis, a Hempstead ISD spokesperson, released a written statement. Part of it read as follows:

"We are continuing to 'Create a Culture of Excellence' which includes embracing all students of all cultural and diverse backgrounds. Our priorities are our students.

"The district has received allegations regarding this issue and the district is investigating the matter. At this time the administrator is on administrative leave with pay until the investigation is completed and appropriate action is determined. This is all we can say at this time as there is a pending investigation on this matter.

"The district is committed to efficiently and effectively resolving this matter with as little disruption to our students and their learning environment as possible."

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