A measure introduced by Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina to boycott the state of Arizona passed yesterday by a vote of 3-2.
The action was meant to send a message of opposition over Arizona’s new controversial anti-immigration law.
“This law simply goes too far,” said Molina. “A lot of people have pointed out that I am sworn as an LA County supervisor to uphold the Constitution. All I can say is that I believe that Arizona’s law is unconstitutional.”
The boycott would prohibit county-funded travel unless the interests of the county would be greatly harmed. Officials will investigate the possibility of divesting from any Arizona bonds and terminating any contracts with the state as well.
The debate prior to the vote was heated and emotional with Supervisors hearing from the family of a young man who was shot to death by an undocumented immigrant with gang ties.
Also on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Unified School Board passed a resolution condemning the same law.
While not calling for an outright boycott of Arizona, the resolution directs school Superintendent Ramon Cortines to recommend “additional steps … to curtail any economic support”.
“There’s a conversation in this country around the rights of people, and students are a part of it,” said school board President Monica Garcia.
In particular, the school board took exception to another Arizona bill that targets the teaching of ethnic studies.
School Board member Yolie Flores said it was important for the board to speak out,
“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.”
73% of the LA school district is Latino.
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