He said the district gave no further explanation. School district officials would not comment. The lawsuit also demanded that Albuquerque Public Schools cease all instruction in native languages. The lawsuit is backed by the nonprofit, Washington, D.C.-based Center for Equal Opportunity, a conservative organization headed by Linda Chavez, who has sought to end bilingual education programs. Her group backed a ballot initiative that halted most bilingual programs in California.
Bilingual education teaches students in their native language while they learn English.
The programs can serve as enrichment by helping students become literate in two languages. But critics say students who do not speak English learn it quicker if all instruction is in English. Adams said the case is expected to go to trial in June. He said both sides asked the court to rule without going to trial, and that a ruling is expected in the next several weeks.