Draft Orem City Resolution (to be addressed at 1/27 Council Meeting)
WHEREAS, English is the common language of Orem City, of its citizens, and of its surrounding
communities; and
WHEREAS, many Orem residents speak native languages other than English, including some who
speak Native American languages; and
WHEREAS, many thousands of Orem City residents are multilingual due to their participation in
missionary work for their church, or due to extensive language instruction at Orem primary and
secondary schools, and at colleges in Orem or elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, the multilingualism of Orem residents is a cultural and business resource to Orem
and encourages international businesses to locate or expand here and assists Orem City companies
in more easily growing in international markets; and
WHEREAS, multilingualism promotes greater cross-cultural understanding between different
racial and ethnic groups in Orem City; and
WHEREAS, Orem was founded on a commitment to democratic principles, and not on racial or
ethnic homogeneity, and has drawn strength from a diversity of languages and cultures and from a
respect for individual liberties; and
WHEREAS, the Utah Legislature plans to consider legislation designating English as Utah's
official language and prohibiting the state or its political subdivisions from (with several
exceptions) conducting business or printing information in any language but English; and
WHEREAS, there is no threat to the status of English as the common language of Utah or Orem,
and there has been no demonstrated need to designate any official language for Utah or adopt
similar restrictionist legislation; and
WHEREAS, "English-only" measures, or proposals to designate English as the sole official
language of Utah, would violate traditions of cultural pluralism, work to divide our community
along ethnic lines, and restrict the City's options for communicating with its Citizens;
OREM CITY NOW RESOLVES as follows:
Orem City recognizes the importance of multilingualism to its community, citizens, and
businesses, and opposes "English-only" legislation or similar restrictionist legislation.
Signatures lines