Rep. Young of Alaska uses slur to describe Hispanic workers

Friday, March 29, 2013  

Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, used an ethnic slur against Hispanic workers in an interview with an Alaska radio station this week.

Young grew up in California. In an interview with KBRD, he said his family's farm employed "wetbacks" -- a derogatory term common in the Southwest and the West.

The Alaska Republican, however, claims he meant no harm. “During a sit down interview with Ketchikan Public Radio this week, I used a term that was commonly used during my days growing up on a farm in Central California,” he said in a statement. “I know that this term is not used in the same way nowadays and I meant no disrespect.”

Young, whose late wife was Alaska Native, is known for his blunt language at hearings and public gatherings.

Get the Story:
Don Young talks economy, Arctic development (KRBD 3/28)
Rep. Don Young Retreats from Use of 'Wetbacks' in Radio Interview (KTUU 3/28)
Rep. Don Young on 'wetbacks' comment: I 'meant no disrespect' (Politico 3/29)