AFN president talked to Rep. Young about use of ethnic slur

Wednesday, April 3, 2013  

Alaska Federation of Natives President Julie Kitka said she spoke to Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) about his use of an ethnic slur to describe Hispanic workers.

In a radio interview that aired in Alaska, Young said his family's farm in California employed "wetbacks." He apologized for the comment after national Republican leaders rebuked him.

"He told me he's very sorry about saying that and that he does want to help with immigration reform," Kitka said at a meeting in which Hispanics in Alaska discussed the controversy, The Anchorage Daily News reported.

Kitka urged the group to contact Young, the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. Attendees agreed that the incident represents an opportunity for Alaska's sole Congressman to become involved in immigration reform, a key Republican issue.

Get the Story:
Offended Alaskans meet to discuss Young's 'wetback' remark (The Anchorage Daily News 4/3)

An Opinion:
Dana Milbank: Rep. Don Young faces backlash for ‘wetback’ slur (The Washington Post 4/2)

Rep. Young apologizes for using slur against Hispanic workers (4/1)
Rep. Young of Alaska uses slur to describe Hispanic workers (3/29)