History of Multilingual Competency in the United States

Ohio adopts bilingual education

Jan 1, 1839

Schools in Ohio could operate in both German and English if permitted by parents. Following shortly after, Louisiana requested the same for French and English in 1847.

Native-American children forced to attend off-reservation schools

Jan 2, 1864

Native American children are forced to attend bording schools off their reservations. They are also punished for speaking in their native languages.

First antibilingual education legislation is passed

Feb 1, 1888

In Wisconsin and Illinois, they both attempt to provide English-only schools. However, it doesn't happen until a later date.