The Importance of Arabic Language Programs and Education Transparency

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When I decided to work with the Embassy of Qatar on educational initiatives, I was ready for criticism. However, I did not expect the false accusations that followed. Qatar plays a significant role in the Middle East, and my background as a former Secretary of Education provided me with insights to contribute.

Qatar Foundation International has supported American students in learning Arabic. Despite this, some groups argue that it attempts to ‘infiltrate’ U.S. public schools. The facts tell a different story. America’s education system needs more language programs. The focus should be on understanding the benefits, not on unproven claims.

Under the program by Qatar Foundation International, American schools maintained control over their curriculum. Funding was openly managed, giving students a chance to learn a new language. They received education and nothing else.

Critics point to an incident at P.S. 261 in Brooklyn, where a map labeled Israel as Palestine. Qatar Foundation International supported an Arabic program but had no influence on the map’s purchase. New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks confirmed the teacher bought it independently during a visit to Jerusalem, unrelated to any external funding.

In New Haven, Connecticut, Qatar Foundation International has been supporting Arabic education since 2018. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies has raised concerns about foreign-language education grants. Yet, Mayor Justin Elicker and Superintendent Madeline Negrón examined the claims and confirmed the program strictly involved Arabic teaching.

Recently, Qatar Foundation International announced stopping operations in the U.S. after 17 years of promoting language education. Many schools that benefited from its grants must now seek alternative funding. Some critics, including figures from the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy, welcomed this decision, but this perspective overlooks the need for language skills.

The Commission on Language Learning from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences emphasized language skills as crucial for America’s economics, security, and global interaction. They advised that children should learn languages besides English. Cooperation between schools and various organizations is vital to make this happen.

Arabic, a major global language, is crucial for U.S. diplomacy, security, and business. Other countries, like Germany, Spain, Italy, and Japan, support language programs in U.S. schools without similar controversy. These programs broaden student exposure, and Arabic should receive the same recognition.

Qatar Foundation International’s funding was just like these other programs. It aimed to teach American students an important language, with no other purpose. While the transparency of funding and curriculum control by schools is necessary, political or religious indoctrination must be absent from language education.

From personal experience, having been part of the Middle East Media Research Institute, I initially backed its goal of transparency in the Middle East. However, I have observed a shift towards ideological views, especially regarding Qatar. Arabic should be on par with languages like German and Spanish, unaffected by political biases.

Reducing language opportunities limits the understanding of the world. Enhancing education, clarity, and local autonomy are essential. Above all, expanding language education is crucial.

William J. Bennett is a former Secretary of Education.