"In the last few years, Arizona has taken a giant step backwards in the arena of civil rights. Our lawmakers have used fear and ideology to implement discriminatory legislation against Latinos and those believed to be “illegal.” We have cast doubt on an entire population of citizens based on skin color and accent.
One would hope the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would no longer be needed. But as Arizona legislators try to whitewash their efforts at discrimination, it seems obvious the act is as relevant today as it was 47 years ago.
When we find Spanish accents offensive enough to require legislation, we know we’ve turned our back on cultural diversity and crossed a dangerous line. This is nativism, and this is not the Arizona I know and love."
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