Ehrlich says multiculturalism is "bunk”

This is not original reporting. All information has been compiled from The Washington Post.

Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. made statements this week saying that the idea of multiculturalism is "bunk" and immigrants should assimilate into American culture.

On a Baltimore talk radio show, Ehrlich voiced his opinion that immigrants should learn English and adopt American culture. "I reject the idea of multiculturalism. Once you get into this multiculturalism crap, this bunk, you run into a problem. With respect to this culture, English is the language. Should we encourage young folks here to be assimilated, to learn the culture and values? Of course," said Ehrlich, who was quoted by The Washington Post.

According to a Takoma Park Gazette article on May 12, Ehrlich refused to answer calls for him to apologize for his comments and continued to defend his position. Meanwhile, on May 11, the Montgomery County Council unanimously voted for a resolution that expressed concern about Ehrlich's "ill-chosen remarks" and suggested that he apologize.

Ehrlich's strong statements came after state comptroller William Donald Schaefer made similar comments in regards to dealing with Spanish-speaking workers at fast-food restaurants. "I don't want to adjust to another language. This is the United States. I think they ought to adjust to us," said Schaefer, according to The Washington Post.

However, Ehrlich's comments have received more attention and outcry, particularly from Hispanic political leaders. Maryland State Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez, an immigrant from El Salvador, was angered and worried by Ehrlich's comments. "I think what the Governor said absolutely is offensive. It's also a dangerous comment. What I am sensing is that these kinds of comments from leaderships, from people who are in high-level positions, are really fueling an environment that is very dangerous and negative," said Gutierrez.

Ehrlich's policies have shown mixed attitudes towards Latinos and immigrants. Last year, Ehrlich vetoed a bill that would allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Maryland public universities. On the other hand, he permitted a study on allowing illegal immigrants to have driver's licenses to continue.