1st Amendment and Free Speech/preschool teachers

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Expert: - 10/18/2011


Question
I have requested that my foreign speaking teachers, speak english only while at our preschool facility. I am violating their rights?I have quite a few who speak to each other constantly on their language, in front of the students.
Thank you

Answer
Hello,

Please note that I cannot provide legal advice in this forum.  For that, you would need to speak with an attorney licensed to practice law in your State.

I will note that the EEOC released regulations a few years ago which makes it very difficult for employers to enforce English only policies, but does allow narrowly tailored rules based on business necessity.  You may find this link helpful for more details:

http://hr.cch.com/hhrlib/issues-answers/approach-workplace-english-only-policies

I hope this helps!
- Mike  

1st Amendment and Free Speech

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Michael Troy

Expertise

I will answer general questions regarding freedom of speech, petition, or religion. I specialize in cases involving public employment or education, as well as issues related to campaign finance. But I can`t give specific legal advice involving specific cases you might have.

Experience

As an attorney for the Center for Individual Rights, I worked on a number of free speech cases, including Rosenberger v. Univ. of Virginia, in which the Supreme Court upheld my clients' right to run a student newspaper without discrimination because of its religious conent. I also worked on White v. Julian, which protected the right of people to protest against a homeless shelter in their neighborhood.

I also worked for the Federal Election Commission on several cases regarding the right to participate in the election process.

Organizations
Former Attorney for Center for Individual Rights.

Publications
Washington Post
Washington Times

Education/Credentials
J.D. from Univ. of Michigan Law School

Awards and Honors
Truman Scholar

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