English-only policies in the workplace have become the fastest-growing area of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints as well as litigation under Title VII. In 1996, the EEOC had 30 discrimination complaints related to English-only policies of employers. Since 1996, the EEOC has had a 500\% increase in those complaints. \({ }^{45}\) Employers that have implemented English-only policies include the Salvation Army, All-Island Transportation (a Long Island taxi company), a geriatric center in New York, and Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.

One lawyer noted that employers seem more willing to make the policies and risk the legal battles because they think such policies are appropriate and necessary in order to provide adequate customer service or, in the case of health operations such as the geriatric center, correct medical care. Employers are, however, warned by their lawyers that they will have "a target on their backs" if they implement the policies.............

 Discussion Questions
1. Do you think the policies are discriminatory?
2. Do you think they create a hostile environment?
3. Give a list of the types of employers you believe could qualify for an English-only policy under the EEOC guidelines.