Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4819
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2014
Senator George Munoz Challenges Discriminatory MVD Mandate
MVD Staff Ordered Not to Assist Navajo Language Speakers
Santa Fe, NM – Recently, a bureau chief for the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) informed her staff, in an email, that they are not to assist or issue licenses and ID’s to non-English speaking applicants, specifically referring to them as “illiterates.” According to Pat Davis, Executive Director of non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots communications and advocacy organization, ProgressNOW NM, it was discovered through phone calls to the MVD, that the new rule is specific to Navajo language only speakers. One state senator says he will not sit back while that state mandates a rule he describes as discriminatory and unethical.
“We are definitely not going to let the state dictate to the public any sort of rule that discriminates based on language barriers, especially when it leans towards the disenfranchisement of those who speak languages other than English,” said Senator George Munoz (D-4-Cibola, McKinley & San Juan). “Not only am I calling upon the MVD to retract such a rule, but I am also asking all Native American liaisons to step forward and take a stance by asking the US Department of Justice to investigate the situation. I believe that putting state employees under this mandate goes against what America stands for.”
According to a piece by ProgressNOW NM, MVD staff members were ordered to sign a copy of the email to confirm they read and understood the new rule. Previously, they could assist Navajo language speakers in completing a basic application. In addition to that assistance, applicants still had to successfully complete a driver’s test to obtain their license. This, said Sen. Munoz, was especially important because it shows that although some applicants could not speak perfect English, they still had to prove that they understood and properly obeyed road signs. The email also stated that applicants could not obtain assistance from those accompanying them to the MVD.
“This new rule is completely unethical,” added Sen. Munoz. “Who says that those who do not speak English should not receive the help they need to function within state departments? I don’t understand how one state office can decide to deny assistance to anyone because of their language. All New Mexico citizens deserve the same rights. It disturbs me deeply to know that someone can use their power to implement such an unfair and unjust rule. I will not sit around while people’s rights are being taken away based on such an irresponsible mandate.”
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