Promising to leave behind their "mainly reactive position" in the field of economics, politics and education, leaders of Utah's Hispanic community announced formation of a coalition.
The coalition is concerned by a lack of representation in public office, policymaking positions and in the education system."We are faced with questions about our place in overall policy and Utah politics," chairman Manuel Romero said, after introducing the officers of Utah Coalition of La Raza during a press conference Friday at the Salt Lake City-County Building.
La Raza "believes that civil rights gains must now be shored up, under the pressure of a conservative movement that would erase much that is now taken for granted," said Jim Gonzales, board member. "It is our intention to join the many voices that now stand opposed to the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court of the United States. Further, we disagree vigorously with the Utah Senate delegation, which has chosen to take a lead position in support of this confirmation.
"In addition, stand firmly behind legislation now before the Utah House of Representatives that would attach stricter penalties to a conviction for the commission of `hate crimes' in Utah," he said.
According to Romero, "La Raza" refers to the mestizo race, people who are descended from American Indians and Spaniards.
"Our first method of choice is cooperation and collaboration. We are ready and able to take litigation and confrontation as the second step, if need be," Romero said.
Preddy Oseguera said an education committee will focus on critical problems for Hispanic children, including "the low academic achievement of students in the public school system. Over 50 percent of students from Raza background score below the 35th percentile in reading on the Stanford Achievement Test."
Oseguera also bemoaned the "horrendous" drop-out rate of Hispanic children, beginning in elementary school; their over-representation in classes for students with learning disabilities (many are there because of language barriers, she said) and under-representation in programs for the gifted and talented. Schools don't recognize Spanish as a teaching tool for students who can't read, speak or understand English, she said, and there is little or no effort to involve parents if they have language barriers.
Inequitable employment and class "segmentation" are major concerns to La Raza's economic development committee, according to Dr. Alberto Pulido. He blames weak affirmative action legislation, "institutional racism and "failure on the part of business to enhance minority opportunities."
Only 3.1 percent of homeowners are Hispanic, he said. Government contracts are not equitably distributed to minority businesses. "The raza poverty rate is double that of the general population."