*Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement of support in defense of veteran Chicano activist Carlos Montes from the State Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE).*

March 12, 2012

Dear Carlos Montes,

The State Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE) applauds you, Carlos Montes, as one of the founders of the Brown Berets in East Los Angeles and a leader of the Latino community. AMAE has also fought for justice within the discriminatory educational system of Los Angeles. We, too, have brought educational issues to the forefront to be addressed for the benefit of the Latino community. AMAE recognizes that organizations such as the Brown Berets have also lead in the fight for equity within American society. Statistics show that discrimination has steadily declined, but it still present in today’s society.

Everyone deserves equity before the law. Unfortunately, some ethnic groups have to mobilize and demand that their rights be recognized and granted. The Brown Berets did just that. Many educators, such as myself, participated in the “Blow Outs” when we were in high school. At San Fernando High we had an almost entirely white faculty; today it is racially mixed. The tracking system in education had all the white students, Asian students, and a black student or two in the best classes – classes that were college prep. Today, this type of segregation no longer exists thanks to leaders who are willing to stand up and speak against the injustices that continue to take place in our communities.

Leaders, such as yourself, should be speaking before various community groups to ensure that issues that gravely affect our communities are addressed so that our children will have a better tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Lydia Soto President, State AMAE

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