During a Phoenix school board meeting, member Jeremiah Cota was quickly shut down for saying the Lord’s Prayer, rather than an Indigenous land acknowledgement.
In an exclusive interview with The Center Square, Cota, who represents Ward One on the Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board, recounted his experience being silenced at a board meeting on Aug. 8.
The board member highlighted the fact that these land acknowledgements are treated like a religious prayer.
“I do fully believe these land acknowledgements are like a religious ritual. And I am well aware that it is very reverent when they say these acknowledgments,” said Cota. “It is hushed tones, it is bowing of the heads. It is a very solemn moment. And it is a prayer, if you ask me.”
In experiencing what he considers to be religious discrimination, Cota has since written a complaint letter to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. He said he will continue to advocate for freedom of religion.
