When considering the education system in Wisconsin, classes at all grade levels are typically taught in English. This can be beneficial for some students; however, it is often times a struggle for Spanish-speaking students to adapt to this occurrence. Over time, many Latinx/Hispanic students lose some of their Spanish-speaking abilities because they are constantly surrounded by the English language in educational settings. When considering language, it is also important to also understand that culture cannot be viewed as a separate entity. To remove one’s language is to remove one’s culture. This is an issue that Latinx/Hispanic communities have faced in the past and are still currently facing today. Since the first Spanish-speaking immigrants arrived in Wisconsin in the early 1920s, educational institutions have taken steps towards implementing bilingual services. However, racial and ethnic boundaries have limited the demand for educational expansion, which has played a role in shaping the identities of Latinx/Hispanic communities throughout the state of Wisconsin and the United States as a whole.
Throughout this website, you will find a variety of information regarding the barriers that Spanish-speaking students have historically faced, specifically within Milwaukee, WI. Under the "Boundaries and Difficulties" tab, you will find information regarding the specific experiences of Maria Elena White and Anita Herrera. The "Histories and Plans" tab includes information regarding the personal histories and accounts of Irene Santos, Marie Godoy, and more on Maria Elena White. The third page, "Personal Experience," includes the story of Hayde Diaz, a student at St. Anthony High School, and her personal encounter with language barriers. The last page, "University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee" describes the efforts that one local university has taken to become more inclusive of Spanish-speaking students throughout the past 50 years.
Website Courtesy of: Amelia, Siobhan, Jack, Hayde, and Dayana