The resolution recognizes Rhode Island's rich multilingual heritage and the importance of preserving and celebrating linguistic diversity within the state. It highlights the historical presence of various languages, including Narragansett, Portuguese, Italian, and others, while acknowledging the challenges faced by bilingual and multilingual learners in an English-centric educational system. The resolution emphasizes the need to address the educational gap between bilingual learners and native English speakers, advocating for an inclusive culture that values students' linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
To promote awareness and support for bilingual and multilingual education, the resolution proclaims April 2025 as "Bilingual and Multilingual Learner Month" in Rhode Island. It calls on stakeholders to implement policies and practices that foster educational equity, such as dual language instructional programs, to enhance academic achievement and graduation rates for these learners. The resolution expresses gratitude to bilingual and multilingual students, educators, and advocates, encouraging all residents to support initiatives that prepare students for active participation in a diverse society.