Juan Cartagena Papers

Juan Cartagena is President and General Counsel of LatinoJustice PRLDEF (formerly the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund). He is a constitutional and civil rights attorney, who has worked extensively on language rights laws. As increasing numbers of immigrants who speak an array of different languages enter the work force, some employers have attempted to force their employees to speak only English while working. This collection is comprised of a significant number of lawsuits on behalf of employees who felt their rights were being violated. Most employees challenged their employers under the federal discrimination laws. Clippings, newsletter, publications, and briefs are available as evidence of the lawsuits. The briefs challenge the English-only language policy. Publications highlighting the importance of culture and language are included in this collection as reference to making English the official language of the United States. Also available are student writings highlighting their position in reference to the English only policies. Organization such as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Puerto Rican Legal and Education Fund are cited in this collection. Interviews of Juan Cartagena are available in the Latino Oral History Collection: Latino Life Stories and Justice Project.