Teacher Fired After Suggesting Her Students Speak English Well, apparently it is now politically incorrect for a teacher to ask their students to speak English in the classroomeven if they are in the United States. And Texas at that. Fox News recently reported that Amy Lacey, former principal of Hempstead Middle School, was place on paid administrative leave by the school board after making the simple suggestions that students should be required to speak English in the classroom. Even though the Texas Education Code describes English fluency as a prerequisite for effective participation in the states educational program Laceys comments were viewed as inappropriate. She claims, however, that she was only looking out for the best interests of the students. She did not ban Spanish or other foreign language classes. Laceys contract was not renewed this year. What do you think? Is it ridiculous to fire someone for asking American students to speak English in an English-speaking country? 