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LAUSD Board Votes to Condemn Arizona Immigration Law
Sup. Ramon Cortines, during a 2009 meeting
Sup. Ramon Cortines, during a 2009 meeting
During yesterday's regular LAUSD Board of Education meeting the officials voted 6-0 in favor of condemnation of Arizona's immigration law, SB 1070, according to the LA Times. The school board is just another in a growing list of California entities to formally voice objection to the law that they believe is discriminatory because it makes individuals who fit a racial profile and/or speak with an accent likely targets of law enforcement scrutiny, regardless of their legal status.
Board member Steve Zimmer says LAUSD students are affected by the Arizona law because it is causing "stress" and "uncertainty" in the classrooms. Board member Yolie Flores-Aguilar emphasizes the issue of racial profiling when explaining her vote: “It’s very important for us to take a position of outrage...Because of the color of your skin and the accent you speak with, you will be targeted. You will be asked if you belong here.…Taking a position against that kind of racism is appropriate.”
The Board, however, did not vote for any sort of boycott of the neighbor-state, citing a need for Sup. Ramon Cortines to call for further exploration of possible financial ties the LAUSD may have to Arizona.
Over the weekend several LAUSD students and teachers participated in a "freedom ride"-style caravan to Phoenix to take part in the protests held there.
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