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Supervisor Perez requests investigation into alleged La Quinta library discrimination

Published November 2, 2018 9:41 PM

After a meeting with all parties involved in the alleged La Quinta library discrimination incident, Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez wants a deeper, independent investigation. In a statement released Friday, Perez mentioned that he held the meeting on Wednesday and that some questions remained unanswered.

The contentious incident allegedly occurred at the La Quinta Library on Sep. 15, the eve of Mexican Independence Day. Students from Arlene Vazquez’s class at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Coachella were set to perform at the library for Hispanic Heritage Month, but before they could move forward with the planned event, they were allegedly told to remove cultural references from the performance.

I-Team uncovers emails in alleged discrimination incident at La Quinta Library

“How do we make it up to the kids? How do I make it up to the kids?” said Perez in the statement. “These students put their hearts into performing and were let down by adults in a truly regrettable situation. I sincerely apologize to the children and families.”

Vazquez was allegedly requested to fly the American flag instead of the Mexican flag during the ceremony, and would have to, in the future, “change their songs and dances to a more Patriotic, more American performance.”

It is unclear at this time who made the above-mentioned requests relating to the heritage ceremony.

“It is clear that, as of today, there are still unanswered questions as to what actually transpired and who was involved,” continued Perez. “Therefore, we need a proper and thorough investigation to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

Perez plans on bringing the incident up at the next Riverside County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, where he hopes to begin a third-party investigation into the incident.

“I hope for the cooperation of all entities,” Perez said, in closing. “The County of Riverside values diversity and inclusion, and we do not condone any form of discrimination or intolerance.”

Read Perez’s full statement below:

On Friday, Nov. 2, Supervisor V. Manuel Perez announced his request for a comprehensive investigation into the La Quinta library incident, offering the following statement:

“How do we make it up to the kids? How do I make it up to the kids? These students put their hearts into performing, and were let down by adults in a truly regrettable situation. I sincerely apologize to the children and families.

“On Wednesday, I brought all parties together for a meeting in my office in hopes of gathering the facts and finding the appropriate way to move forward.

“It is clear that, as of today, there are still unanswered questions as to what actually transpired and who was involved. Therefore, we need a proper and thorough investigation to ensure nothing like this happens again.

“At our next Board meeting (Tuesday), I am asking my fellow supervisors to initiate an independent third-party investigation. The purpose of this investigation is to expand on our internal review and to truly get to the bottom of this.

“I hope for the cooperation of all entities. The County of Riverside values diversity and inclusion, and we do not condone any form of discrimination or intolerance.”