Latinx Students and Education

Latinx students have faced many struggles in the United States. Many Latinx students do not speak any English when they first arrive here. This makes it difficult for them to learn when they are already at a disadvantage in communication. Some students are bullied and discriminated against for not Knowing English, which is what happened to Miguel Fernandez. Miguel Fernandez was made fun of for not speaking English when he first arrived at school in the Bronx, New York. What would help in situations like these, is having ethnic/Latinx studies available at schools, especially in communities with a large population of Latinx students. Having Latinx studies available to students would educate other students on the struggles of Latinx individuals. I believe that all students being educated and aware of Latinx individuals would reduce the bullying and discrimination of Latinx students. These examples were also some of the reasons why students of Tucson High School in Arizona, were fighting to keep the Mexican American Studies Program in school.  (Please refer to film: Precious Knowledge by Dos Vatos)   

The education system also does not give Latinx students an equal opportunity or resources to education. For example, Miguel Fernandez was a bright student that had arrived in the United States from the Dominican Republic. Although he struggled in school, he still maintained the best grades possible, while maintaining a job. However, although Miguel had good grades, he could not pursue a college education. Miguel could not pass the English parts of exams that colleges needed as a requirement because English was a second language to him. Miguel had not picked up English to a perfection. He was also not eligible for any financial aid or grants because he was undocumented. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many Latinx students. They get brought to the United States as a child. Grow up in the American education system, and then are not eligible for college once they finish High School. That’s something we should all take into consideration when discussing Latinx studies in schools.  

(please refer to essay: “Y Que Pasara Con Jovenes Como Miguel Fernandez? Education, Immigration, and the Future of Latinas/os in the United States”, by Pedro A. Noguera)