Why is it important?
Why is it important that students in college and university learn to write, and communicate effectively?
Because.
That however does not work, often, for anyone. We all want explanations of why we should or should not do something. An explanation, but not long discourse!
I do not do abbreviated very well so I will sum it up as best I am able to, without a long, and winding explication of the reasons.
English is the language of power. It is the language of Democracy. It is the language of law, medicine, business, and if you want to participate in any area related to any of those three - run a business, become a doctor, go to a doctor, become a lawyer, hire an attorney, get sued by an attorney or by your neighbor, you need to understand the language.
Do you wish to participate in the political process? English. Oh yes, politicians are always mentioning 'si se puede' or 'merci beaucoup' but the power is held by those who know English - NOT Spanish or French.
If you want to be part of the system - you MUST be able to write and communicate in ENGLISH, not in ebonics, not in slang, not in any other language. it is fine, those other means of communicating, if you wish to be excluded and not play a role in our process. If you do not wish to hold power or be in control of your future - fine.
If however, you want to be in the drivers seat, as much as any of us can be, YOU MUST be able to communicate effectively in ENGLISH.
It is not optional.