California's Proposition 227 requires that all children be taught English by being taught in English. This proposition, which basically outlaws bilingual education, is the newest chapter in the history of how non-English speaking and limited English proficient (LEP) students should be educated. After presenting the historical, social, political, and legal foundations of Proposition 227, this paper describes its current impact. Proposition 227 allows only 1 year for LEP students to acquire enough English to do regular classwork in the mainstream. Many researchers suggest it takes 3-5 years to develop appropriate English skills, so Proposition 227 is unrealistic. Other researchers note that Proposition 227 fails to ensure a supportive schoolwide climate that values LEP students linguistic and cultural backgrounds and does not mandate appropriate training for teachers of the 1-year English immersion classes. The paper describes the political players behind Proposition 227, then discusses how it is in conflict with many laws and educational policies. Finally, it examines modifications that California must undertake in order to successfully implement Proposition 227, concluding that it is not healthy for education in California and ought to be dismantled. (Contains 29 references.) (SM)