Perhaps no initiative on California's June ballot stirs emotions like Proposition 227, sponsored by Ron Unz, which would replace existing bilingual education programs. But what do communities most affected by the initiative -- Latino and Asian -- think about the measure? Whatever the polls show, press coverage in the ethnic media has been one-sided. The following is a sample of news articles and editorials on Proposition 227 in California's ethnic press compiled by PNS editor Alfonso Serrano. Serrano is formerly the editor of El Mensajero, a bilingual weekly published in San Francisco.

BILINGUAL EDUCATION NEEDS FIXING-- BUT 227 ISN'T THE WAY

We believe that Proposition 227 is inherently flawed. But we believe that current bilingual education programs are flawed as well.

Unz's initiative was important in forcing us to re-examine our current school system and how we have or haven't been serving the 1.4 million limited-English speaking children -- including 200,000 plus Asian Americans -- across the state.

Too often, children aren't learning English. We need to concentrate not only on the best way to teach English, but on how to improve the entire school system and equip our local schools with the resources and tools they need to improve current programs.

- Asian Week (San Francisco)

NO ON PROPOSITION 227

Approving Proposition 227 would provide a fatal blow to the state's educational system. The proposition arbitrarily establishes unproved educational methods, and keeps parents and educators from deciding on the best methods. It would be unfortunate if the proposition is approved, but even more so if it passes thanks to Latino votes.

Latinos should vote against it or they will contribute to one of the biggest mistakes in the history of California's educational politics, with possible repercussions throughout the country. Bilingual education should be improved not eliminated.

- La Opinion (Los Angeles)

THE TRUTH ABOUT PROPOSITION 227

The decision on the future of bilingual education is drawing closer, yet media coverage doesn't address the concerns of those against abolishing such programs.

As a result, many recipients of these programs (or their families) are being misled about the true nature of Prop. 227. Like Ron Unz, many supporters of 227 are Anglos and monolingual and concealing their true political and racist motives -- they are against the advancement of Latinos.

Bringing Spanish or other languages into schools adds to the richness of the culture of the United States.

Vote no on Prop. 227, which without the Hispanic vote, will lack legitimacy.

- El Reportero (San Francisco)

NO ON 227

Once again the racist right wing forces have come up with a proposition designed to hurt, hamper and hinder the education of people of color.

They would like us to believe that 227 is about the betterment of education. However, the Republican Party (and in most cases the Democratic Party as well) has never been concerned with improving the situation for people of color in the U.S. or abroad. This proposition is simply another attempt to keep people of color from being educated.

Not only is 227 ridiculous from an educational standpoint but it is racist arrogance to assume English should be the only language of education or business. In an increasingly global economy it is important and beneficial to know a language other than English.

- Sun Reporter (San Francisco)

BILINGUAL EDUCATION: A BRIDGE TO EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

What was the most difficult subject for you in school? Imagine having to learn it with a teacher speaking a foreign language.

That's what will happen to immigrant children if Proposition 227 is approved -- it will mean a return to the old days of "sink or swim" education. That system worked for a small group, but overall it was a failure.

Bilingual education is not perfect but it tries to give immigrant children a chance-- it suggests to them that their language is valuable and, as a result, so are they.

- La Oferta Review (San Jose)

LET'S VOTE "NO" REGARDING PROPOSITION 227

While very few Vietnamese students in California are in bilingual education, they will be severely affected if the Proposition passes.

Many Vietnamese Americans are of two minds about the issue. Those who came between 1975 and 1980 did not go through special English language instruction, and did well. They assume those who came later can do as well -- but the fact is, many latecomers did not have a good educational background in Vietnam.

- Cali Today (San Jose)

A MEAN-SPIRITED ATTACK

Latinos continue to be the scapegoat for America's shortcomings.

Take the case of Proposition 227. It underestimates the difficulty of learning English -- considered worldwide to be the most challenging language.

Prop. 227 gives California's schools less than three months to devise and implement a new program of "sheltered English immersion" for the 1,350,000 students with limited English proficiency. Unz's heavy handed, one-size-fits-all solution negates the wisdom and commitment of educators and language specialists.We can't afford to turn our back on the immigrant child.

- El Tecolote (San Francisco)

PROPOSITION 227 WON'T WORK AT ALL

Bilingual education is good for English-limited students. Proposition 227 is detrimental to an open and effective learning and teaching system, according to Liana Szeto, principal of the Alice Fong Yu School in San Francisco.

Cancelling bilingual education is not fair. To put all age levels of students in one classroom is just silly. Students with varying age levels have different educational backgrounds and learning patterns.

Proposition 227 takes away the parents' rights to choose their children's educational plan.

- World Journal (San Francisco)