Jon Garrido is a proud Mexican American

SANTA FE, NM (By Jessica Pieklo, Care2) May 13, 2010 ― With midterm elections coming up, it appears as though the strategy for Arizona Republicans focuses on using race as the new wedge.

With the ink not even dry on the controversial immigration law, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed yet another measure aimed squarely at the state's significant Hispanic population.

This measure bans ethnic studies programs and was inspired in large part by the successful Tucson Unified School District's Raza Studies programs, leading many civil rights activists to name the legislative efforts in Arizona the rise of "new Juan Crow."

This particular measure prohibits any classes that advocate for ethnic solidarity, that are designed primarily for students of a particular race, or that, curiously enough, promote resentment toward a certain ethnic group.

The ethnic studies programs in the state are open to all students, regardless of race.

The ban was enacted despite quantitative data that shows students enrolled in these programs have a significantly higher graduation rate than there peers enrolled in the traditional history programs in Arizona.

Not surprisingly, the most vocal proponent of the measure, Arizona schools chief Tom Horne, is running for Attorney General as, you guessed it, a Republican.

He applauded the measure as one that finally rids the state public schools of "ethnic chauvinism" and even had the audacity to compare ethnic studies pedagogy to the Old South.

Unlike the immigration law, which arguably can be viewed at attempting to a significant criminal justice issue, there can be no doubt this latest move is a direct attack at the state's ever-growing Hispanic presence.

This is a reaction by a group of legislators that feel threatened ― in number, in power, and in influence.

And much like those who resisted early integration efforts in the South, the more backed in a corner they feel the more insidious their response.

Thankfully though it appears as though the rest of the country does not have the stomach for the kind of hate-mongering going on in the Arizona Republican party.

The state has already reportedly lost millions from economic boycotts, and it appears that even the national Republican party is doing its best to distance itself from the state as Tampa, Florida, rather than Phoenix, Arizona, has been selected to host the 2010 Republican National Convention.

Perhaps the strategy of demonizing an entire demographic won't pan out the way Arizona conservatives bet it would.