NM MVD says Navajo-only speakers are “illiterates” must learn English to obtain state ID card [View all]

[Voice for Peace]

MVD says Navajo-only speakers are “illiterates” must learn English to obtain state ID cards or license

New Mexico’s Motor Vehicle Department recently directed employees to stop assisting Navajo language speakers with applications for licenses and identification cards, dubbing them “illiterate” in an email directive to staff.

Acting on a tip from a citizen concerned about newly registered Navajo voters being denied access to identification cards necessary to vote, ProgressNowNM obtained a copy of a new MVD directive posted in a Northwest New Mexico office.


MVD email directive. Copied as posted in the office. (right side of the original was trimmed from the posting)
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Saying, “We are not able to issue license (sic) for illiterates” MVD’s regional director tells staff to end the practice of assisting applicants with completing the state’s license or ID card forms.

But state law doesn’t have a language requirement for applications.

http://progressnownm.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/mvd-says-navajo-only-speakers-are-illiterates-must-learn-english-to-obtain-state-id-cards-or-license/

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