Out of all the academic classes that are required for high school graduation, Foreign Language classes are the most unique and have, by far, caused the most controversy. Other traditional high school classes – like English, History, Math, and Sciences – are considered by many students and educators to be the core of the educational experience, and therefore have earned their place on the list of required academic classes. However, the inclusion of Foreign Languages on this list does raise questions from many in the community.

While the importance of Foreign Language classes goes without a question, the idea that it should be required in order to receive a high school diploma is. Many voices from around the community argue that these language classes should be considered optional electives rather than a department of their own.

Senior and Social Media Editor, Elizabeth Jasek, argues, “I don’t know if it should be required for graduation, but I do think that it is a great opportunity to be given.”

Furthermore, many argue that unlike other traditional courses, Foreign Language skills are not essential for every career, but rather a great supplemental skill to have, and should be treated as such.

However, the belief that these courses should not be required is not universally agreed upon. In fact, there are many students and educators alike who argue that learning a foreign language is a skill that is imperative for a modern student. In the past, foreign languages could have easily been treated as electives, however, in today’s globalized world, a growing amount of people are seeing these skills as necessary for success after high school, no matter the career field.

Senior Courtney Zdroik, proponent of Foreign Language classes, states, “I think that it should be required for at least two or three years, because in the near future, some languages such as Spanish are going to become very important to know,”.

Beliefs such as the one expressed by Courtney Zdroik provide an important perspective on the future of Foreign Language skills in the United States.

Taking into account the multiple justified arguments made for and against the requirement of Foreign Language classes in high school, it is hard to find a solution that can be agreed upon by everyone. In the meantime, Foreign Languages continue to be required for only two years at West Morris, which, depending on the perspective, is either an unjust requirement  or a necessity in today’s world.