Upstate NY town repeals English-only law

You can once again conduct Jackson town business in Spanish, Italian, or any other native tongue.

The town board voted Wednesday evening to repeal its restrictive English-only law by a 4-1 vote.

It ends a year of notoriety for the Washington County community that drew criticism from across the country and resulted in a threatening letter from state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who warned the town that the law was illegal because it was too discriminatory.

About two dozen local residents and a representative from the New York Civil Liberties Union attended the meeting, held in Town Hall, a former one-room schoolhouse. The town is about 45 miles northeast of Albany.

A number of town residents have been fighting the law since it was first proposed by board member Roger Meyer about a year ago.

"It sends an unwelcoming message about who we are, both to our community and to the greater community beyond Jackson," resident Peg Winship said before the board vote. "It also puts our town at financial risk because it is unlawfully discriminatory and unconstitutionally infringes on free speech and the right to access information about town government."

Meyer, who was the lone "no" vote, questioned Schneiderman's legal challenge and said other communities had successfully instituted English-only rules.

The English-only law was adopted about a year ago and was followed by approval of similar measures in the neighboring communities of Easton and Argyle. The measures in those towns are not under fire because they are less restrictive.

Schneiderman hailed the board's vote in a statement released immediately after the meeting.

"The English-Only ordinance had violated several laws including the equal protection and free speech clauses of the federal and state constitutions, and this office appreciates the swift and professional manner in which it was resolved," he said.

Some were concerned the law discriminates against those who speak no English and that it could deter people from reporting crimes, seeking medical care or getting access to services and benefits.

About 1,700 people live in Jackson and the population is 97 percent white, according to the most recent census data.