Bill 101 - Helping or Oppressing?

Though the educational system is always evolving and improving, many problems still persist. Because of the Bill 101 in Quebec, access to one’s high school of choice can be difficult. First, foreign children cannot attend English school, they have to enroll at a French speaking establishment. Moreover, a child who’s parents are both Francophones will be obligated to attend a French high school even if he prefers to go to high school in English. Lastly, the Bill 101 keeps culture from evolving by obligating immigrants to conform to Quebec culture and standards. 

Foreign children do not have much choice for education : they have to attend a french high school. In fact, although the Bill 101 is supposed to help the fragile language stay a force in Quebec, it is keeping immigrants from excelling in high school and feeling welcome to our country. When arriving from a different country, the percentage of people who understand and talk French is extremely low. If they cannot go to an English school, it means they have to learn the language when arriving to the country, which can be an amazingly difficult task when one is still in the process of adjusting to a new home.

Of course, the Bill 101 has advantages, but it also comports negative effects for immigrants who cannot attend the school of their choice. Even the francophones do not have the option to attend an English-speaking school of their choice. Another disadvantage is the unnatural block in culture this bill imposes. Although French language does represent Quebec, is it necessary to oppress different cultures to help preserve our heritage?