Discrimination in Connecticut

By: Julievette Santiago

The State of Connecticut's Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission shall "focus its efforts on the following quality of life issues: (A) health (B) safety (C) educational success; (D) economic self-sufficiency; and (E) discrimination."

This is my fifth week in my internship and I have made a few observations. In my last post, I expressed how there is a lack of diversity in state politics and I feel there is a need to diversify the Connecticut General Assembly even further.

This week I'd like to touch upon the topic of discrimation towards Latinos in the state of Connecticut. My observations began when I sat in on the Commission's monthly meeting and a Puerto Rican woman from Waterbury spoke about the mistreatment of her daughter by the faculty and staff at a public school.

In addition to this I have noted that many people were not in support of the In-State Tuition Bill and had absolutely no faith in that it would be passed. On the contrary, the bill was passed.

Furthermore, during my tour of the Legislative Office Building, the tour guide made an effort to introduce everyone in the room to one another, using their whole names and/or organizations and where they were from. When it was time to introduce me, he merely pointed to me and said "Latino" and moved on to the next person. It was as if I wasn't worth his breath. This did not discourage me but only made me more passionate about showing others that even though I may be a Latina woman and the odds are not in my favor, I will succeed. I will make La Raza proud and take full advantage of the opportunities this country has to offer.

Until next time...