I am a woman of color living in Arizona, and I am deeply concerned about the proposed SB 1010 that aims to rename Loop 202 after a controversial figure. This proposal not only undermines the values of inclusivity and equality that our community strives to uphold, but it also threatens to erase the neutral groundwork that Loop 202 represents—an infrastructure that should serve all Arizonans without bias or political influence.

Loop 202 has long been a symbol of progress and connectivity, facilitating travel and commerce across the Phoenix metropolitan area. The renaming effort to honor someone with views that have historically excluded or harmed marginalized communities, including women, people of color, and victims of gun violence, is simply unacceptable. This highway should reflect a commitment to unity and forward-thinking, not a relic of divisive ideologies.

To preserve the impartial nature of our public spaces and prevent the state-sanctioned endorsement of policies that do not represent all citizens, we must vehemently oppose SB 1010. Public roads are a fundamental service paid for by all taxpayers and should remain as nonpartisan and neutral as possible. This renaming sets a dangerous precedent for exploiting public infrastructure for political recognition.

Moreover, across the United States, public works have typically retained nonpartisan names to ensure they serve the entire populace equally. In Arizona alone, highways like Loop 101 and Interstate 17 carry names devoid of political connotation, thus promoting unity and equal benefit. By maintaining Loop 202’s current name, we continue a tradition that prioritizes shared use and community over division.

Please join me in calling on Arizona state legislators to vote against SB 1010. Let’s keep Loop 202 a representation of our collective spirit and commitment to fairness. Sign this petition and let your voice be heard in defense of a nonpartisan future for our public infrastructure.