During a fiscal review committee with other state officials, Tennessee Representative Curry Todd questioned a panel of prenatal care providers about whether they asked patients for proof of citizenship status before providing care. An official explained that they do not, since children born in the United States are citizens. Todd (referring to immigrant mothers) replied, “They can go out there like rats and multiply, then."

Likening any human being to vermin is not only offensive—it is hateful. It propagates the idea that a sub-human class of people exists, and opens up the door to tragedies like a 35% rise in hate crimes against Latinos that has been occurring since 2003 as reported by the FBI. Experts link the rise in violence to the increasingly hateful rhetoric surrounding immigration debates in recent years.

Regardless of political positions and opinions, elected officials are expected to uphold a standard of decency in public statements. A dehumanizing insult aimed at a specific group is unacceptable.

Demand Rep. Todd issue a public apology for his offensive remarks, and that the Tennessee Republican Party release a statement condemning dehumanizing rhetoric as part of any debate.

Photo Credit: Davhor