The National Council of La Raza, a Latino advocacy group, released a statement on Friday condemning Rep. Don Young (R-AK) for referring to “wetbacks,” an ethnic slur, in an interview this week.
“It is very sad and extremely disappointing that on the eve of Cesar Chavez’s birthday—a man who spent his entire life exhorting his fellow Americans to treat migrant workers with dignity, respect, and humanity—we learn that an elected member of Congress continues to use such an antiquated and demeaning term. Let us be clear: that word was inexcusable then, and it is inexcusable now. Congressman Young owes our community a full and sincere apology,” Janet Murguía, president and CEO of NCLR, said in a statement.
Young apologized for his remarks on Friday after being decried by Republican leaders, including Speaker John Boehner (R-OH).
