Voto Latino Calls for Resignation of Los Angeles City Council Members

In response to the publication of an audio recording of Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez and Councilmembers Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo using racist and bigoted language, Maria Teresa Kumar, Voto Latino President and CEO, issued the following statement calling for them to resign.

“The conversation taking place in the recordings that have been made public is utterly appalling–not just because of the ugly language but because of what it reveals about how these elected officials view their colleagues and constituents. Black and Brown communities face so many similar challenges, and we’re being attacked by all the same enemies. But instead of solidarity, councilmembers Martinez, de León and Cedillo displayed the kind of ugly callousness that sets all of us back. They should be particularly ashamed of how they spoke about a child who should never be exposed to that kind of bigotry–especially not by three of LA’s most powerful leaders.

“Councilmember Martinez did the right thing by resigning. Now it’s time for Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo to do the same. This kind of language is absolutely unacceptable, and they’ve damaged their ability to represent their community beyond repair.”

# # #

Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.