The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) stands in solidarity with community groups asking for the resignation of Los Angeles Council Members Nury Martinez, Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo. Their racist, homophobic, misogynistic, and vile comments toward a fellow council member, his child, the Los Angeles County district attorney, and Black, Indigenous, Latino and more communities of color prove they are unfit for office in the City of Angels.

LAEDC maintains a reputation of being a non-political organization, but more importantly, we value social equity and inclusion. We cannot stay silent about these troubling comments because doing so would make us complicit in a continued system with no accountability for racism. The statements made by these three individuals do not reflect our values or the values of Los Angeles County. There is no place for racism anywhere. Period.

Voluntary leaves of absence and statements of regret are not enough, and the city council will remain tainted if Mrs. Martinez, Mr. de León, and Mr. Cedillo remain in office. They do not represent the inclusive leadership that LAEDC and the rest of Los Angeles County value and deserve.