# Creole Courses Spark Anti-Haitian Sentiment in Dominican Republic > Dominican lawmakers propose creole language courses in schools, sparking anti-Haitian backlash. - Title: Creole Courses Spark Anti-Haitian Sentiment in Dominican… - Summary: Dominican lawmakers propose creole language courses in schools, sparking anti-Haitian backlash. Dominican lawmakers proposed creole language courses in… - Keywords: dominican republic, haiti, creole, language education, nationalism, anti-haitian sentiment, september 2026, antigua orden dominicana, partido revolucionario moderno, prm, university autonoma de santo domingo, innesdyc - Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/la-campana-a-favor-de-los-cursos-de-creole-en-las-escuelas-aviva-el-sentimiento-antihaitiano-en-la-republica-dominicana-293318 - Author: Kendall Medford - Read time: 1 min - Topics: dominican republic, haiti, creole, language education, nationalism, anti-haitian sentiment, september 2026, antigua orden dominicana, partido revolucionario moderno, prm, university autonoma de santo domingo, innesdyc ## Dominican lawmaker proposes creole courses In early September 2026, a Dominican legislator introduced a bill requiring public schools to teach Haitian creole. > A bill requiring all public schools to teach Haitian creole ## Public backlash follows proposal The bill triggered immediate strong public and political reactions across the Dominican Republic. > The bill triggered immediate strong public and political reactions ## Historical tensions between nations Dominican nationalists highlight a 22-year period from 1822 to 1844 when Haitian troops occupied the Dominican Republic. > Haitian troops occupied the Dominican Republic from 1822 to 1844 ## Nationalist narrative of Haitian invasion Dominican nationalists describe Haitian immigration as a continuous peaceful invasion that has persisted for over 50 years. > Haitian immigration is described as a continuous peaceful invasion ## Haitian population in Dominican Republic Estimates suggest 500,000 to several million Haitians live in the Dominican Republic. > 500,000 to several million Haitians live in the Dominican Republic ## Haitian labor dominance Haitians form the overwhelming majority of workers in agriculture and construction in the Dominican Republic. > Haitians form the overwhelming majority of workers in agriculture and construction ## Creole language status Haitian creole is the second most spoken language in the Dominican Republic after Spanish. > Haitian creole is the second most spoken language in the Dominican Republic ## Creole language recognition Haitian creole has its own academic, orthography, and grammar, and became Haiti's official language in 1987. > Haitian creole has its own academic, orthography, and grammar ## Nationalist opposition to creole Dominican nationalists argue teaching creole would lead to unwanted island unification and cultural assimilation. > Teaching creole would lead to unwanted island unification ## Historical immigration patterns Haitian immigration to the Dominican Republic increased significantly after Jovenel Moïse's assassination in 2021. > Haitian immigration increased after Jovenel Moïse's assassination in 2021 ## Support for creole education Some Dominicans support creole education, arguing it would improve communication with neighbors and benefit students. > Teaching creole would improve communication with neighbors ## Government language programs The Dominican government offers creole language training for public officials through INESDYC and Western Union. > The government offers creole language training for public officials ## Current political stance The PRM government opposes the bill, stating it does not reflect their stance on immigration. > The PRM government opposes the bill ## Key takeaway Dominican lawmakers proposed creole language courses in schools, triggering strong opposition from nationalist groups concerned about Haitian influence.