Geeze, too bad they don't have time to work on real problems at the school.

This was one of those "I can't believe this is real" kinds of things.

The point is, really, that I hope there's never any student/student violence in that school. Because, God forbid the teachers weren't paying attention to the important stuff.

What kills me is if these were white kids studying Spanish, it would have been something they were lauded for!

It is ridiculous that this boy was suspended for speaking spanish, but even more disturbing after an appology tax dollars will be wasted on a court case about civil rights.I am a white female born & raised in america, I speak english, believe in god,( which our country was founded upon) and I feel like minority.With everyone not native complaining to change everything so that it is more politically correct(so knowone is offended). I say: if ya don't like it... go home! I don't agree with everyone else's religeon or culture but I don't try to make them change in their own country/home etc.

...Er, well, your ancestors did. That's why you feel right at home being white, believing in monotheism and speaking English in a country that originally belonged to someone else.

You know, we may not be fighting physical wars except the one in Iraq, but at home we are definitely fighting HUGE WARS concerning internal struggles; i.e. politically, racially, and culturally. Just like the way the schools are teaching our children to make sure they walk the line, telling them what they should think and be happy about the status quo. No they are too worried about hurting someone�s feelings instead of the right thing to do. They call themselves Darwinists, but they don�t believe in survival of the fittest. I am a Christian and I believe in the survival of the fittest. According to them, we should treat everyone the same �Socialism� (Communism), and so they work in groups at school so they can dumb everyone down to the slowest person in the group so we can help them.

I am compassionate, I care about the little guy, the under dog, but what happened to �we help those who are willing to help themselves�. Let�s face it, we all have different strengths. And yes, sometimes there are smarter kids that get bored in school because we don�t teach them how to think anymore, but what to think. I was grouped with the smarter kids when I was in school. It was called enrichment. Maybe the teachers enjoyed teaching, unlike so very few today. Whatever the case, we are dumbing our society down by being tolerant of such behavior.

A dark political force is trying to take over our country by way of the schools. We can�t say Merry Christmas anymore; it�s Happy Holidays, because we don�t want to offend anyone with different beliefs. What about myself being an American. We�ll I AM OFFENDED that they are trying to change our country AND I HAVE HAD ENOUGH. I believe in individualism and about bring me your tired, your poor, your humble masses, but when our forefathers came to this country they spoke English and if they didn�t they learned it like everyone else did. If you didn�t, how were you to survive? You have the freedom to speak your mind to do what you want in your little world of the U.S. THE FREEDOM!. But don�t come over to our country and try to appeal to every other nation and their dog. We are who we are, a collective group of people with the liberties to do, to speak out their minds about anything and everything we have a challenge with. Arnold Schwarzenegger, not being from America, made his mark here all the while speaking English. He said he �understood the importance of mastering the English language as quickly and comprehensively as possible�. We need to stop catering to this English, Spanish speaking dilemma. When we do this, we handicap these people into becoming weak. Look at Arnold. Do you think he didn�t have struggles becoming Mr. Olympia and governor of California?

I love people from all different parts of the world. I have family in Mexico, but we shouldn�t have to come up with English only policies�.we should make them speak English before we even let them get a job. This is an influx of immigrants of epic proportions just like the influx of immigrants of the 1800�s. It�s great that you bring your culture with you to keep that individualism, and have that remain in your family�but don�t try to change the way America is. How would you like it if I went to Mexico and try to start making everyone speak English? We speak English here as well as Arabic, French, German, Swahili, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese. All these different peoples don�t try to advertise their language on everything we come into contact with in today�s world. Yes, San Francisco has a Chinatown, but that is their microcosm here in America. China is one third of the population of earth, but they aren�t trying to mold America to what they wish. Don�t get me wrong, like I said I love people everywhere, but there is a difference of having a home you make here and trying to remodel the home while everyone in it loves the tradition and nostalgic ness. That is the problem I have. Let�s keep our individual cultures intact while preserving uniqueness, but also not giving in to the poor, poor people are to weak to learn English or help themselves. You�d be surprised what people are capable of when backed against a wall.

I know a little Spanish. My grandfather and grandmother speak Spanish and live in Mexico. I enjoy, and would love to learn more Spanish. But what this is doing is trying to change the American culture and language like one doesn�t exist. Oh my friend it does, just ask gun carrying advocate Ted Nugent. But that is another story.

This a load of BS. In England you would be positively applauded for the fluent use of another language. I'm afraid it just emphasis the large number of complete and utter fucking idiots in America. How come white people in America are so damn ignorant? I mean, we invented your country (blah blah blah about the Portuguese etc) and we did not raise our little stepchild (America) to be a bunch of ill-informed ignorant racist ass biggots.

Some say America is the only nation where the knowledge of only one language is celebrated. In this school district, it would seem to be the case.

Its a shame that some have missed the point: the student was punished for speaking another language. He was not out to change our country, or even his community or school. Rather, he was punished for a casual conversation in the hallway that reflected the rich fabric that makes my country so awesome.

Jose, it is very interesting that you would ask that immigrants keep their culture within their family but not change the way America is. Do you really think that America culture, even the very definition of what an "American" is has not evolved over 200 years? Rather, American culture is complex, dynamic, and powerful, and has taken from the customs, language, religion, histories, and experiences of the myriad of groups that make up America.

too bad thats not the real story, i go to that school and nothing like that even happened. zach wasnt listening and he got written up for non compliance, then cussed out the teacher in spanish, its too bad the teacher knew spanish and wrote him up for that also. if anyone knows zach rubio they would know that he wouldnt just get writtin up for nothing. i think that this whole thing is blown way out of proportion and is a quick way for them to get money

alica, es verdad?

I LOVE ZACH

I feel like students who speak both spanish and English, as does Zach Rubio, should not take advantage of being able to speak spanish. What I mean is, if you are going to say bad things and then tell a person (that doesn't understand spanish) that you said something completely different, how are they to believe that what you said is true? You can't take advantage of being able to speak two languages in this way. You need have peoples trust in what you are saying is "exactly" what you are saying. I know Zach Rubio and I would hope that he would be honest and tell the truth because this situation is going to get way out of hand!

JT, he didn't "take advantage" of being able to speak Spanish. He just responded to a question in Spanish with an answer in Spanish. It's kinda crazy that anyone could have a problem with this. People can talk in whatever language they like when they're just having a social conversation.

Okay Alex, I didn't say that Zach did or didn't say anything! All I am saying is that I have been in situations where spanish is being spoken, I ask what is said and guess what, I'm not told what was said?! hmmmmmm, that's frustrating. I'm told something completely opposite from what was really said. I have been called "punta" right to my face, then smiled to and asked to shake hands! uh, I'm not stupid, I know what "punta" means and no, I'm not shaking your hand. So, it's unfortunate that some people don't tell the truth about what they are really saying! Just for the record, I don't have a problem with people speaking spanish, I think it's great to speak your own language, but when teaching, coaching, etc, it's easier to communicate in the same language! So, I think that this situation with Zach is unfortunate, but guess what, it's happening everywhere, that's what this world has become.

also, why would Jennifer Watts send a kid home just for speaking spanish. She's a smart principal that has been a VP for 5 years before this. She's not dumb!

Whatever the case may be. the sole fabric of what america is has changed and molded to become not a country of whites. But a country where multilingual abilities is and should be awarded. How else would one expect to suceed in a society where only in new york do we have, Washington Heights(hispanics), Little Italy(Italian), China Town(Asian), an abundance of cultures portrayed and thriving as if it were a its own country. America is not a mono lingual country anymore and if ur one of those people that believes u should speak english because u are in America,think about this. English isnt even the language of origin in the USA.

I am definitly not "one of those people" that believes that u should speak english because u are in America. I am a christian who believes that God sees everyone the same through His eyes and that is the most important thing, is that He sees you equally!

I've lived in Washington Heights for 4 years. I appreciate how hard it is to learn another language, especially as an adult. If I could speak Spanish to my neighbors, I would.

Jonnyz, Alicia wouldn't know if it is or not--because she doesn't speak Spanish. How does Alicia know if Zach did what she says? She doesn't even claim to be an actual witness.

Amen, Janine!!!!!! THANK YOU! I totally agree!

i go to the high school in turner and i think he should be expelled YOUR IN AMERICA SPEAK ENGLISH!

Um, Vaughn Burns? You can't even spell in correct English. Now, I don't mind if you, Lori, and Jose want to come here and write in Hicklish. It's just that as a Black woman, sometimes I feel like a minority in this country. Know what I mean?

okay im sorry i think that its total BS!! i know Zach and why do you think he is in a alternative school??? not for being a prep speaking how it says above.. he was written up for NON COMPLIANCE and he cussed her out, not thinking is all and this is the best way to earn money, it wont succeed in court, sorry! and i understand noone said you had to speak english, but if you come into a country with the idea of living there you really need to adjust to there way of living, if its a English based country, why should we go out of our way to accomidate people like that. People who speak foreign languages use them thinking noone else can understnad them... well looks like she did. I think that this case should be dropped and more will come out of it. To me i think the rubios are looking for quick cash, thinking its their word against theres!!!! HA, think again!
See Ya!

let me tell all of you that zach rubio is not all that he seems on the screen. i used to have him in a class and he used to always get wrote up for now being quiet or cussing at the teacher. he's also the type of guy that always got in fights. i know a little bit of spanish and not everything he said was nessecary....he got kicked off the soccer team because he cussed someone out at a piper game and the coach found out.

um, okay, I know about the piper game and he took himself off of the team, the coach did not kick him off, he kicked himself off!

THS, I tried to explain before that it's hard to learn a new language. Up in the Heights everyone speaks Spanish, I'm in the minority. I should be the one leraning Spanish but I haven't. Know why? It's hard as an adult. That's why. You've made your point, though. This Zach kid may not wear a halo, but you're a xenophobe (look it up). You're still young; you don't have to be ignorant.

Too bad Zach and his brother are one of my family's good friends!!! Yes, everything you here is true!! He got kicked out for speaking spanish and now Turner is getting sued!!! Yeah, I studied spanish there.... How Ironic!!!

well Its not THS....its the alternate school for the students who cant really cut it in highschool. The Highschool is in no way responsible for this....they have to different principals. Their is probably more to the story than what has been said. To bad the school cant release student records to the press. Then maybe the real story would come out. Obviously speaking spanish is not the real issue here because i have taken spanish for 3 years now.

Alicia you don't even speak spanish how would you know. And you don't even go to school anymore you graduated last year. Why would you lye when there are so many people who know about you!!!!!!!!!!! I heard about you and you aren't an innocent little angel either. johnyz no es verdad yo conosco a zach alicia no save porque ni es mexicana!!!!

ok you guys should do more research before you jump at this. You don't know what really happened and he is in the alternative high school for a reason. I go to Turner High school and they aren't racial and how do the teachs know that he wasn't saying i have a gun in my car and i will bring it in at 1. how does and english speaking teacher know that that is not what was being said. You guys should really get over all this stuff. and think about this!!!!! He isn't not in an alternative high school for a reason!!!!!!!!
Get over it! this wasn't a Racial thing it was safety!!!

Hey vaughn burns america was made up of immigrants so f*** off and not every one in America speaks english so

when i heard about this story i laughed. instead of sspending a kid for a real reason he gets suspended for speaking his native language thats liek taking an english kid over to germany putting him and school nad if he speaks english he gets suspended. i think that whatever language someone speaks he/she shouldnt get suspended or turned down a job. we should be more open to other ethincs and places not frown upon them

I agree with vaughn burns and everyone who says rubio cussed out the teacher in spanish and they are just looking for money. So yeah he was rightly suspended, and i applaud that school for doing what they did, the first step in taking back america. In case you didn't know..before columbus came and took the usa, it belonged to the native americans..and also england has rights to the usa and so why do you think usa's language has been english!

Alright, well i personally hate speaking english and spanish as well, i wish we could all speak American, that is the language we all knew before the biggest immigrant of all came to america, christopher coloumbus, lets face it, we all speak different languages wheter its english, spanish, spanglish, chinse, or whaterver language you choose to speak, but thats the bueaty of it, you choose what you want to speak, and there should be no one out there who stops you from speaking the language you want to speak. If we are forced to speak one language at school, then thats like saying, ok there is freedom of religion at school, but you can only practice christianity, its something that isnt fair, yes i dont know the whole story on Zach Rubio and what he said to the teacher, but as a latina, i would like to be able to speak spanish to my peers without being prosecuted

Listen, I can understand everyone is upset about this. I myself am of Puerto Rican descent and get angered every time I read about stories such as this one. I speak three languages and wish I I had time to learn more languages. I've been hearing about these things lately and it's basically all about naive people who have nothing better to do. Usually people that implement crazy rules such as "no Spanish speaking" for example in a school or work setting are people who are intimidated by immigrants. Does the policy in the school rule say: "No foreign language allowed"? I read that there is no school policy banning Spanish speaking, so that is why Zach had to be allowed back into the school because the school made a total fool of itself when they probably read their school policy. It's his word against the school and it will also depend on how many witnesses will speak the truth. Who knows. Whatever the case, eventually the truth will come out. Anyone trying to make a quick buck out of the American Court System will be found out. Also, for the people here who do not know the history of the Spanish language, it has been spoken in the Americas since approximately the year 1565 and the name America came from an Italian man named Americo Vespucci, but there is no solid evidence to prove that he was the real guy. In any case, it's down in history. Also, for the person who made a comment that the original language is English. English is not the original language of this country. It is Indian, for example here are some of the languages: Cheyenne, Algonquin, Mohican,etc. You get the picture. So I guess we should all be speaking an Indian language because none of us are from "America".

For all of you talking shit on Zach Rubio you just need to shut the fuck up. Obviously you dont know him or his family. If you did know the Rubios you would know that they are not out to get money, they want to get respect for their race in schools. And also the rubios almost never speak english when they are at home, unless someone is there who doesnt speak spanish. So I really doubt Zach was speaking spanish to be disrespectful, it is natural for him to speak that language and especially if he is asked a question in the same language. Just because Zach goes to an alternative school Does not mean that he is a bad person. He may not be a model student but that doesnt mean he would disrespect a teacher by cussing at her in spanish and disrespect his family by lying about it. And if you knew anything abuot Endavor you would know that they dont just send students there because they are bad alot of people go there simply because they have fallen behind and they need to get caught up. So you can all stop saying that he goes to an alternative school, and making it sound like he got sent there for being a bad kid because that is really not true.

well zach may not be an angel, but he is not a bad person, and he is definatly not suing the school for money because believe me he dont need it he is suing because he was discriminated against just for saying no problem in spanish. thats is Bull Shit if you ask me i mean they teach spanish in school then your going to kick him out for speaking it isnt that crazy.

Well like i said a few months ago... there is no case.... it is a alternative school and it want just because of grades and i think its bull shit too, if your living in America speak English.. i get a kick out of these mexicans who take your order and cant understand you.... LMAO!

For whoever THS is you are such a fucking idiot. Obviousley you dont know what the fuck you are talking about. Over half of the people who go to Endavor DO go there for their GRADES. And one thing I want to know is why do you have to talk shit on mexicans who work at fast food resturants? They obviousley can understand you good enough to take your fucking order cant they? At least the mexican taking your order is trying to make money, your stupid bitch ass is probably sittin at home on your mommys couch talking shit on your computer about people you dont even know. So why dont you shut your fucking mouth and maybe go see if the mexican at the fast food resturant might want to give you a job.

Well, this ia an outrage. FOr GOd's sakes I am Puerto Rican but cause I was born wit bad conditioons I think its a "diaphragmatic hernia" or soemthing like that AND ADHD i spent the first 2 1/2 years of my life in the hospital. Even wit all that, I am the ABSOLUTELY smartest kid in my Catholic School. Think of it. THer is even a really smart white kid in my 8th grade class. I have been smartest since 1st grade.

Well, this ia an outrage. FOr GOd's sakes I am Puerto Rican but cause I was born wit bad conditioons I think its a "diaphragmatic hernia" or soemthing like that AND ADHD i spent the first 2 1/2 years of my life in the hospital. Even wit all that, I am the ABSOLUTELY smartest kid in my Catholic School. Think of it. THer is even a really smart white kid in my 8th grade class. I have been smartest since 1st grade.

Well, this ia an outrage. FOr GOd's sakes I am Puerto Rican but cause I was born wit bad conditioons I think its a "diaphragmatic hernia" or soemthing like that AND ADHD i spent the first 2 1/2 years of my life in the hospital. Even wit all that, I am the ABSOLUTELY smartest kid in my Catholic School. Think of it. THer is even a really smart white kid in my 8th grade class. I have been smartest since 1st grade.He is smarter than me tis year but only in math. ANd only extremely slightly in slight areas. I am extremely knowledgable about technology and witout question the most technologically intellectually superior sebtient BEING witin around 5 miles.

First off, I would like to inform to those who have used offensive language and have offened the "mexican fast food workers", really need to understand the point of this website. This is about what happened to Zach Rubio, so let's not turn it around and make it about you. Another point would be the fact that some of you are making fun of your own race. Why? I am Mexican American and I am proud of it. We are all humans and most of the people who wrote comments on here are Latinos, so why would you do such a thing? Anyways, the point was to show that racism will and always be in our world and life. So, we as a GROUP of people need to do something about it. Maybe we can support eachother, spread the word about this case and many other cases that happen everyday, and just be there for our people.

Indignante.....!

You guys are the 35820 best, thanks so much for the help.

West Springfield, Massachusetts man allegedly assumed the false company names Park Place Entertainment, Razor Mountain Records, Starscope Records and Fast Track Financial Services to scheme thousands of dollars from hundreds of people in at least 9 states

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Peter Robert Bouchard of West Springfield, Massachusetts, allegedly took the money of many unsuspecting young musicians and promised these bands and artists he would get them live shows, sponsorship and even fame. Attorney General Tom Reilly announced on May 19, 2006 that Bouchard was also arraigned on charges for scheming to steal thousands of dollars from other business clients who had hired him to help them apply for grant money.

Bouchard was indicted April 25 by a Hampden County grand jury on one count each of larceny by scheme over $250 and other related charges including fraud at his arraignment on May 19 in Hampden Superior Court and is next scheduled to appear in court on August 17. More serious charges are also expected to be brought against Bouchard after further investigation.

In addition to stealing thousands of dollars from musicians, Peter Bouchard has also allegedly claimed to be the sole owner and operator of �Fast Track Financial Services�, a firm claiming to be dedicated to helping clients and businesses obtain federal state and foundation grants. Between 2004 and 2006, hundreds of business owners were contacted by Bouchard who offered to help them obtain grants. Bouchard charged a $595 fee and often added more than $1000 in what Bouchard allegedly termed �processing fees.�

Bouchard has been indicted and was arraigned on May 19 on charges that he allegedly took clients' money while providing bogus services and that he never intended to obtain grant money and took no steps with legitimate organizations to obtain the money. After discovering clients would not receive the grant money, the clients were unable to reach Bouchard and contacted police.

There have also been hundreds of complaints from musicians and other performing artists claiming Bouchard took hundreds of dollars promising such services as guaranteed event booking and product sponsorship. The means by which he allegedly took money from these individuals is being investigated because he allegedly told people his name was Ben K., Oliver P., Kris K., and other false names, assuming these names to make his fictitious companies look more established than they were, and after taking their money in payment for these promised services would reveal that his real name was actually Peter Bouchard.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Shea of AG Reilly's Criminal Bureau is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by State Police assigned to the Attorney General's Office with assistance from the Westfield Police Department.

That is indescribable pigheadedness, suspending a child for speaking spanish. If they teach spanish at that scholl or if not they should be ashamed

I agree that Zach Rubio should not have been suspended for answering his friend in friend in Spanish outside of class, but i also think that anyone that
comes to this country should have to learn the national language.English. I also think that stores shouldn't have products labeled in both English and in spanish. Spanish should be in Spanish speakking countries and in foriegn language classes and that is it. I dont care
what they speak in there own household that is there own business,
but english speaking americans should not have to accomadate to
the large immigration of people from Spanish speaking countries.
My grandfather came from Hungry and learned english when he came here.
The American government asks to things of immigrants, that they learn
english and fill out there paperwork. Is that too much to ask?