Quote:
Luis Bustillos, a probation officer in Davidson County who also considers himself a Hispanic activist, said he didn't disagree with Tatum's ruling. ''It's not controversial,'' he said. ''As long as [Spanish speakers] are with their own people, there's no need for them to learn English. When they go work, they need to communicate in English.''
Bustillos said he came to this country in 1964 from Bolivia.
''It was very hard for me when I came here to learn English,'' he said. ''We need to bring the message to the community that if they [learn English], they will improve their status.''
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I have to agree with him. I don't think a judge should be able to terminate a woman's parental rights because she doesn't speak English, but I don't think it was out of bounds for Judge Tatum to suggest that this woman learn English. She'll be able to be a much more involved parent if there's not a language barrier between her and her children's doctors, teachers, coaches, etc.
As for the suggestion that the woman use birth control, I'd suggest that to any woman who's having trouble taking care of her children. Until she can handle the children she already has, she has no business having more. Now, if they're Catholic and it directly violates their religious beliefs, then I'd encourage them to look into the rhythm method or some other Papally-approved contraception.