In the US today, most schools offer foreign language classes. The most common language offered is Spanish, as it is the fastest growing language in the country. There are also clubs specifically for Latinos to celebrate their cultures for after school activities. This gives American students a chance to learn another language or learn about other cultures, and gives Latinos a chance to enhance their prior knowledge. If a Latino student grew up in the United States, he or she can learn the language of their heritage right in school, or improve on their grammar just as an English class does for people who already speak English. Clubs can put on shows to teach others about cultures from the Hispanic world. Hartford public schools are even creating a Latino Studies Academy to do all of the above with the heritage and more.
This was not always the case, however. As one can see in the movie, Walkout, Latino studies were highly discouraged. Even speaking Spanish was not allowed. If one was caught speaking Spanish, the result was harsh, in the form of corporal punishment. The history of Latinos was never spoken of in school. It was nearly impossible for Latinos living in this country to learn about their heritage and culture by attending public school.
You would think these things would be just part of the past, part of ignorance left behind. Unfortunately, this is not the case. While many midwest schools offer Latino amazing programs as stated above, schools in Arizona are doing the opposite. Following the strict laws for deportation for illegal Hispanics, a law is now being passed which bans Latino study programs in Tuscon schools. The problems of ignorance in the past are coming back, and it is truly disheartening.
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/12/nation/la-na-ethnic-studies-20100512
http://www.hartfordschools.org/index.php/our-schools/school-listing/schools/items/view/latino-studies-academy-at-burns-elementary-school
http://bghs.d214.org/activities/latino_connections_club.aspx
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