Gavin Newsom’s Claims About the Term ‘Latinx’ Come Under Scrutiny

In a recent podcast interview, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that his office has never used the term ‘Latinx.’ However, an investigation by Fox News Digital contradicts his assertion, revealing a different narrative.

During a discussion with Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Newsom claimed, “By the way, not one person ever in my office has ever used the word Latinx.” He further expressed confusion over the term’s usage, saying, “I just didn’t even know where it came from. What are people talking about?” This declaration has raised eyebrows, as official records tell a different story.

Newsom’s official social media accounts provide evidence that challenges his claim. In a tweet from 2019, he referenced ‘Latinx’ while discussing a study on childhood poverty through his governmental Twitter account.

Interestingly, he also employed the term on his personal account when addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. His tweet stated, “#COVID19 disproportionately impacts the Latinx community. Rising rates in the Central Valley are concerning. CA is making $52M available to increase testing, contact tracing and quarantine efforts, and sending strike teams to 4 counties with increased cases and hospitalizations.” This demonstrates a clear engagement with the term in public communication.

Furthermore, in 2023, Newsom remarked that the Republican Party includes politicians who are “banning not assault rifles, but the word Latinx.” This statement points to his ongoing discussions around the term and its implications within the political arena.

Evidence of Term Usage in Official Communications

Brooks Allen, Education Policy Advisor to the Governor, explicitly used ‘Latinx’ in a 2023 letter related to the state’s Ethnic Studies model. He asserted, “The model is grounded in the foundational curricular areas of the ethnic studies tradition – African American Studies, Native American Studies, Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies, and Latinx American Studies.” This reveals a commitment to using the term within educational discussions.

Additionally, official press releases from Newsom’s office have referenced ‘Latinx.’ In October 2020, the term appeared in a promotional message on a conversation the governor had with singer Becky G about youth voter engagement during the pandemic.

A month earlier, a news release discussed the minority-owned small business impacts during COVID-19. It stated, “Minority-owned businesses are disproportionately impacted: the number of active businesses owned by African-Americans dropped by 41%, Latinx by 32%, Asians by 25%, and immigrants by 36%.” This clearly shows the term’s usage in serious contexts, directly affecting communities.

In Continued Reference to Educational Initiatives

In 2021, ‘Latinx’ was again mentioned in communications related to addressing educational gaps resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. A campaign rolled out to reach parents in communities hardest hit by the health crisis emphasized targeting Latinx households. The statement highlighted, “The campaign will reach out to parents in areas hardest hit by the pandemic – especially Latinx, African American, Asian American and Pacific Islander parents of school-aged children – with $25 million from AB 86 to support the safe opening of schools during the next fiscal year.” This continuous use of the term showcases its relevance to significant societal issues.

Community Perception and Critique

Newsom’s office has not backed down from its commitment to using ‘Latinx,’ despite ongoing criticisms. A spokesperson stated that ‘Latinx’ is not a widely used term in the administration, yet acknowledged that some staff members have utilized it occasionally. This admission, albeit minimal, indirectly highlights the administration’s ongoing dialogue regarding the term.

The reception of ‘Latinx’ within the Hispanic community is decidedly mixed. NBC News reports that the term is largely viewed as unpopular among Latinos and Hispanics, with some even finding it offensive. A 2024 study from the Pew Research Center discovered that 51% of Hispanic American adults were unfamiliar with ‘Latinx,’ and only 4% reported using it. Proponents of the term argue that it serves as a gender-neutral alternative to ‘Latino’ or ‘Latina,’ but many community members disagree.

Transitioning Political Rhetoric

Governor Newsom’s rhetoric regarding ‘Latinx’ raises broader questions about political language and identity. He has sought to position himself as a representative of diversity and inclusion, yet his recent comments appear contradictory to the records of his own administration. As political debates continue around identity and language, the implications of such statements cannot be overlooked.

This incident underscores the complexities surrounding cultural identifiers in contemporary discourse. As politicians navigate these sensitive conversations, they must exercise care and transparency. Newsom’s contradictory statements serve as a reminder of the weight that language carries in both public policy and community relations.

The Road Ahead for Political Language

As the dialogue around terms like ‘Latinx’ evolves, it remains crucial for leaders to listen to the communities they seek to represent. Political capital often hinges on authenticity and trust, elements that can be compromised by public discrepancies. For California’s governor, being carefully attuned to the sentiments and preferences of his constituents could prove beneficial in the months to come.

By closely examining the nuances of such terms, policymakers can foster more inclusive and understanding communication strategies. Ultimately, leaders must strive to unite diverse groups instead of inadvertently driving wedges through miscommunication.