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County Board orders 3rd party investigation into alleged La Quinta library discrimination

Published November 6, 2018 6:56 PM

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors orders third-party investigation into the alleged discrimination incident at the La Quinta library.

As we’ve previously reported, on September 15, Cesar Chavez Elementary School students 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.

The students were allegedly told that in the future they “would have to change their songs and dances to a more Patriotic, more American performance.” The person who spoke to the teacher suggested they sing “Yankee Doodle” instead of more traditional Mexican songs.

In a letter to La Quinta city officials, Coachella Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Edwin Gomez wrote that library staff said the reason for this was to comply with city policy for performances at the library.

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

City officials didn’t deny the incident happened but firmly denied involvement. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans told KESQ & CBS Local 2 at a news conference CVUSD’s claims the city was behind the alleged act of discrimination is “BS.”

County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said the county would be conducting an investigation into the incident. With today’s decision, the County Counsel will look to secure a legal firm that is experienced in conducting similar inquiries.

County officials said they hope the review will be completed about a month after the firm has been retained.

“It is important to determine exactly what happened and why the library program was changed,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said. “We have to make it up to the community, especially to the kids.”