After reading chapter 1 of Black Ants and Buddhists I felt a little upset. I felt upset because I could not believe that Massachusetts or any state would think that it is fine to outlaw bilingual education. It was more upsetting that it happened recently in 2002. I cannot make sense of the fact that there would be a need to outlaw education in any form. Education should be available to anyone, not taken away. When I think about education, I think about an opportunity for students like the ones mentioned in the chapter who can have a safe place. The author mentioned that she had students who were in "foster homes, or in shelters because of financial hardship; long-distance moves; separation; domestic violence" and more. She even mentioned how she had students who were adopted from other countries. Often times students who are moved here from another country are here for a better education and a chance to succeed. Why would anyone feel the need to take that opportunity away?
This chapter also really hit home for me when she talked about the type of students she had. I grew up living next door to a foster home. All throughout my childhood I saw kids coming in and out every year. There were kids who were abandoned, abused or coming from an abusive home, or the parents had been sent to jail. As teachers I feel that it is important that we learn how to connect with all our students and make them feel welcome. I like what the author wrote, "Multicultural education is a process of comprehensive school reform. And basic education for all students". Education is for everyone no matter the students background, whether they are bilingual or coming from a broken home. At the end of the day education is an opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
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