The League of United Latin American Citizens says two recent cases of Spanish being banned at New Mexico high school games are examples of a "disturbing" pattern.
Ralph Arellanes, New Mexico LULAC state director, said Monday that the group has heard of a least five cases of high school players being ordered this school year not to speaking Spanish. Arellanes says LULAC will begin an aggressive effort to monitor future cases, and if necessary, will file lawsuits.
A New Mexico high school tennis player was penalized earlier this month for speaking Spanish during a state championship singles match. Last month, an umpire accused of trying to ban New Mexico high school baseball players from speaking Spanish during a game resigned.
A spokesman for the New Mexico Activities Association did not immediately return an email and phone call.