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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHispanic leaders cite major barriers 10.12.2004ASTROS U w 51A ycai a n prison Tor the shooting deathof Jeffery Pierce. STRINGS ATTACHED DIVERSIONS, WN Y Ion% High 80, Low 58 Tuesday Partial sunshine October 12, 2004 lr:lie I ii le Forecast/A9 Vol. 130, No. 286, 2 sections t h e e a g e. co. Bryan-College Station, Texas • 50 cents Hispanic leaders major barriers Forum focuses on immigration issues By BRETT NAUMAN Eagle Staff Writer Cultural, economic and edu- cational barriers are among the most imposing obstacles for Mexican immigrants to overcome in the Brazos Coun- ty area, a group of Hispanic leaders said Monday. But an inability to speak English often leads to these challenges, the nine-member panel of Mexican business- men and school officials said during a meeting at the Bryan Municipal Building. Local businesses, govern- mental offices and health- care providers, including hos- pitals, rarely have an employ- ee on staff who speaks Span- ish, the panel told the 20 or so in attendance as they described the Mexican immi- grant's challenges. Many Bryan schools do not have bilingual teachers, and parents often are forced to use their own child as a translator to communicate with teach- ers, said Lico Orona, who works for Spanish community radio station Alegria 1240 AM. "And sometimes [the chil- dren] lie," Orona said, accord- ing to an interpreter who translated the panel's remarks during a town-hall meeting held in Spanish. The meeting was the second in a series of forums sponsored by Bryan officials that bring local experts and community GRIMES MANSENTENCED Grimes County residentRodney Gray members together to discuss issues that affect residents' access to the American dream. Panelists said it also is important for parents to make their children embrace their Mexican culture. Some children try to forget their roots after they learn to speak English, panelists said. Local attorney Daniel Her- nandez, who moderated See FORUM, Page A9 Eagle photo/Dave McDermand Daniel Hernandez addresses the towd gathered Monday night for the American Dream series at thegryan Municipal Building.