High school teacher apologizes after telling Spanish-speaking student to 'speak American'

WPVI logo
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
High school teacher tells Spanish-speaking student to 'speak American'
Jim Dolan has more on the controversy from Cliffside Park.

CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. (WPVI) -- A high school teacher in New Jersey is apologizing after insisting that a student "speak American" in her class.



WABC-TV reports, English teacher Laura Amico returned to class at Cliffside Park Tuesday, after delivering an apology to staff and students over the school's public address system.



"She said 'I'm so fed up with you speaking Spanish. I told you to practice your English!'" recalled Yennifer Pinales, 17.



Dozens of students protested earlier this month, after video of Amico was made public telling a bilingual student not to speak Spanish in her class. You can see that video below:




Many students demanded an apology from Amico following the incident.


----------



Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.