Make OK Drivers License Tests Available in Farsi, OR Else…?!
The Tulsa World is reporting that an Iranian family in Bartlesville has complained that the Oklahoma Drivers license test is not available in their native language (Persian/Farsi). As a result, they had to go to Kansas, to take a picture-based test, then come back to Oklahoma to exchange the licenses so that they could get jobs in Bartlesville.
Randy Terrill (R-Moore)responded:
It makes a compelling case for why English should be the official language in Oklahoma: Driver’s license testing in Farsi! Don’t laugh. I know it’s funny, but this is not a joke. Everyone wondered just when the slippery slope would begin. Today that has been answered. Now, the only relevant public policy question is how will it end?
According to the report in the Tulsa World:
The formal complaint was filed with the government by [a relative who is] a senior in economics at the University of Oklahoma.
The chief legal counsel for the Department of Public Safety, Wellon Poe, said the agency plans to formally respond to the complaint later this month.
“I think we’ve acted correctly and properly,” Poe said. He said the incident is the only time the state has ever been asked to provide its driver’s license test in Farsi.
Poe said the complaint could be dismissed after the agency responds or the government could order state officials to take corrective action to comply with federal civil rights requirements.
If the state does not comply, it could be penalized by the withholding of federal transportation money.
[...] response to that action, Randy Terrill said last April: “It makes a compelling case for why English should be the official language in Oklahoma: [...]
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I propose a compromise, the test should be offered only in English for free but it could be offered translated on paid basis. that way tax payers aren’t paying for the translation services, but just the individual test-takers
Comment by anonymous — March 22, 2009 @ 1:02 am
I’ll tell you something that is really
an embarrassment for myself and other Oklahomans I have spoken with. The “DPS”.
The testing center in Edmond..”Some” of the testers or what ever they are correctly called are just out and out rude and smart asses with attitudes.
They belittle applicant’s if they have to retest. They act like little brats themselves. Who they hell do these state workers/employees think they are? I thought they should be more positive and uplifting..WOW!
It’s pathetic. If they are so damned miserable that they reek like they do, then fire them or send them to the basement to mop or some other job without public interaction!
This is just pitiful.
I hope it’s not this way at all the testing facilities.
Comment by Ron Thomas — July 29, 2009 @ 2:39 pm