News & Media

Pennsylvania Judge Latest to Offer English Classes as an Alternative to Jail

** Statement by U.S. English, Inc. Chairman Mauro E. Mujica**

Luzerne County [Pa.] Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. made headlines this week for ordering three Spanish speaking men to learn English or serve out their sentences in jail. The three men, who pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery on Tuesday, will be required to return in one year to take an English test. If they fail the test, the judge has told them that their parole will be revoked and they will be imprisoned.

Below are the comments of U.S. English, Inc. Chairman Mauro E. Mujica, as well as examples of prior cases where defendants were ordered to attend English classes.

"I enthusiastically support Judge Olsezwski’s decision to use English instruction as an alternative to jail. By opting to encourage personal improvement over traditional means of punishment, Judge Olszewski is opening doors for the limited English proficient instead of slamming them closed.

“At a time when we are searching for ways to reduce the prison population and rates of recidivism, judges should examine English classes as a way of improving the lives of limited English proficient people who commit minor crimes. The ability to speak our common language of English will do more for their future than any traditional remedy.”

This case is not the first time a judge has offered English learning as an alternative to prison: 

• In 2005, a Wilson County, Tenn. judge ordered an immigrant mother who failed to immunize her child to attend English classes, instead of requiring her to perform community service and pay a fine. 

• In 2001, a Davidson County, Tenn. judge began offering the option of requiring first-time offenders for unlicensed driving to 16 hours of English classes rather than 16 hours of community service. The idea was originally suggested by the court translator, Louis Bustillos. 

• In 2000, a Wake County, N.C. judge sent certain defendants charged with low-level offenses to English classes instead of jail. The first person to be given the creative remedy later came back before the judge to say “Thank you very, very much for letting me go to class.” 

• In 1982, a Texas district judge sentenced a 19-year old burglar to three years of probation, with the condition that the youth attend English classes. The defendant, a U.S. citizen who had attended Texas schools, was allowed to take English classes at night so that he could keep his day job. 

• In 1980, a Massachusetts District Court judge ordered a Hispanic woman to take English classes as an alternative to two years in prison or a $600 fine for welfare fraud. Under the order, if the woman attended classes and returned the extra money to the state, the case would be closed. 

• In 1962, a New York City judge began sentencing limited English proficient defendants to attend English classes. Judge Charles Marks told The New York Times, “I am convinced that one of the reasons these men commit crimes is the handicap of the language barrier. It prevents them from getting work, from getting licenses to drive cars and from their improving their lot in life.” 

“Offering English classes as a substitute for less meaningful punishment is a win-win situation that everyone should support,” continued Mujica. “Those who argue against the importance of learning English are imposing a life sentence on immigrants – a life without opportunity.”

U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English, Inc. (www.usenglish.org) now has more than 1.8 million members.