The New Jersey Legislative Latino and Black Caucuses issued the following statement Friday regarding the horrific language used by Trenton City Councilwoman Robin Vaughn in addressing the city's business administrator, Adam Cruz:
“Civil discourse and mutual respect for each other is the foundation of a self-governing society. The inappropriate and hateful language used by the councilwoman is unapologetically prejudiced and anti-Latino in tone and language. New Jersey is better than this and expects better from its public officials, it is because of its diversity and multi-cultural differences that our state is an ideal place to live.”
According to the Trentonian, the exchange with Cruz happened during Tuesday's council conference session, while the two were involved in a heated exchange over federal coronavirus funds.
Vaughn lashed out and cut off the business administrator while he attempted to answer her question.
"Is this a roll-on question, or are you done with your question?" Cruz asked.
"I'm done with my question," Vaughn said.
"Madame President, may I answer?" Cruz responded.
As the BA began speaking, Vaughn interjected and began asking Cruz whether he knew how to "speak" English before correcting herself.
"Do you not understand English?" Vaughn asked.
McBride chided the councilwoman for interrupting Cruz but did not address the comment.
"It is not incumbent upon anyone to defend their credentials based on their cultural background and certainly not because of their accent. Trenton Business Administrator Adam Cruz is an experienced and respected public servant that stands alone," Legislative Latino, Black Caucus Members said.
Gov. Phil Murphy addressed councilwoman Robin Vaughn and said the following:
"We will not let hate go unchallenged in New Jersey. These xenophobic comments are an affront to our core values of diversity and inclusion, and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms.”
Legislative Latino, Black Caucus Members said this is not the first time this councilwoman's rhetoric has been used to perpetuate long-held and dangerous stereotypes that need to be put to bed, once and for all.
"Her comments are a stain on the reputation of our capital city and our state, Legislative Latino, Black Caucus Members continued."
INFORMATION CREDIT: The Trentonian, Legislative Latino, Black Caucus Members said