Multilingual, multicultural education is a foundational imperative As the calendar has turned to 2021, we cannot help but be reminded of how incredibly intertwined and interdependent we are all across the globe. What is said or done in one geographic location has ramifications far and wide, which underscores the importance of understanding each other and our actions, not only for the harm that can be inflicted inadvertently, but for the good that can be accomplished intentionally. At Mercy High School in Middletown, where students from more than 50 Connecticut towns and cities pursue their education, we recognize that the learning that occurs in our classes will provide students with far-reaching opportunities as they advance to higher education and then careers, and seek their place in the world. We also readily acknowledge that knowing a language improves one’s ability to understand a culture, which can offset misconceptions — a consequential result that is beneficial in business and life.