Inclusive Hispanic Language Discussion & Environmental Justice Conversation

November 6, 2023


I was very fortunate to join a panel of experts about using inclusive language in Latino and Hispanic communities. Please read below to learn more about our discussion.

I also had the opportunity to speak about the need for Environmental Justice regulations in marginalized communities and to visit Naugatuck Valley Community College to learn about the campus' future.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Inclusive Hispanic Language Conversation
  • Environmental Justice Discussion
  • Naugatuck Valley Community College Visit
 
Inclusive Hispanic Language Conversation
I was honored to join the only four Hispanic public school superintendents in Connecticut to discuss the fascinating changes we are seeing in the Spanish language. We had a healthy and informative conversation about the terms Latino, Latina, Latine, and Latinx. If you are unfamiliar with the last two terms, you are not alone. They are gender neutral options that some members of the younger generation use to identify themselves.
During the 2023 legislative session, we passed a law, which I am proud to co-sponsor, which allows state agencies to use the words Latino, Latina, and Latine when relevant to the Latin community. The superintendents talked about how the change in the policy could be applied in the education system. CLICK HERE to learn more about our conversation.
 
We also discussed why it’s so important to ensure that classrooms are a safe space for children. Panelists mentioned that some children feel uncomfortable in school due to their opinions or self-identity. We are all working proactively to make our educational institutions more inclusive and continue to embrace the LGBTQIA+ community.
It’s clear that participating in conversations about language and identity will challenge us to find new ways to support our diverse students. The more people who are involved, the more likely we are to find a path toward inclusion, respect, and acceptance.
 
Environmental Justice Discussion

I had the honor of speaking about the continued fight for Environmental Justice for Latino and Hispanic communities at the Connecticut Public Health Association’s (CPHA) annual conference. The event provides a dynamic in-person environment to learn more about the latest research, insights, and experiences for the public health community in Connecticut.

Environmental justice is the idea that all people and communities have the right to live and thrive in safe, healthy environments with equal environmental protections and meaningful involvement in those actions.
Marginalized communities are disproportionately at risk of exposure to lead, air pollution, hazardous waste and extreme heat. Environmental exposures have been linked to various damaging health issues, including cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and developmental disabilities. The threat of climate change further exacerbates these environmental health risks. We must act now to protect every community because this is already a public health issue that is only expected to get worse.
I thank the CPHA for the invite and giving me the opportunity to tell Waterbury’s story as well as engage with so many talented individuals.
 
Naugatuck Valley Community College Visit
I was grateful to be part of a legislative tour of Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) to learn more about the school’s needs and potential upgrades. Lisa Dresdner, Ph.D. is the Chief Executive Officer at NVCC and is working hard to attract more students, improve learning facilities, and increase student engagement.
Thank you to CSCU Chancellor Terrence Cheng, President of the Connecticut State Community College system Dr. John Maduko, and administrative leadership for such a warm welcome and in-depth conversation about the future of the campus.