To the editor:

Many Lawrencians pride themselves on being a sea of diversity and liberalism in a conservative Kansas ocean. The debate over English-language learners in our schools belies that assertion.

We moved here from California, where, some would joke, English is a second language. We moved here, in part, because of the quality neighborhood schools. We are ecstatic with our son’s kindergarten experience. And we are concerned that there could be a large turnover in teachers because of the English language program approved at Sunflower Elementary.

However, we are equally concerned that our neighborhood school provide all needed services for every child in the neighborhood, not just the native English speakers.

The furor over this program is outwardly presented as one issue, but the undercurrent feels like something much more disturbing.

We support our teachers. We support our school. In this case, we support our school board. Most of all, we support our children. As a first-generation American, I support every child having the best opportunity to succeed.

Ian Cahir and Jill Jess-Cahir, Lawrence