“Illegal” immigration is a contested issue in and of itself, but the popular term is under fire by many critics. Close to home, there is rising controversy over the name of the popular Mexican food chain, Illegal Pete’s. In Fort Collins, community members are protesting the use of the word “illegal” in the name, causing a potential delay in the opening of the chain’s newest restaurant.

Although this controversy may appear unnecessary to many, the concerns are legitimate and Illegal Pete’s should seriously consider the requests for a name change. Furthermore, the DU community will need to take a stance if the name change does not occur across the chain.

Using “illegal” to describe a person is a slur and over-generalization. “By becoming judge, jury and executioner, you dehumanize the individual and generate animosity toward them,” said Charles Garcia, author and CEO of Garcia Trujillo, writing for CNN.

The U.S. judicial system determines guilt in our country, not individuals. Even people who commit the worst crimes in the United States are not considered “guilty” unless proven to be, let alone “illegal,” which is not a term for a human, but an action. In fact, immigrant “crimes” are not even considered crimes in the judicial system.

Clearly, the term “illegal” is not only dehumanizing, but also inaccurate. However, these are not the only concerns in Illegal Pete’s name. The term “illegal” is a racial slur, as it oftentimes implies that “illegal” immigrants cross the Southern border, which is targeting a single race for dehumanization. This is especially true for Illegal Pete’s, which created its name as a label for Mexican food.

Pete Turner, owner of the chain, has stated that he is committed to inclusivity, especially through his company’s charitable contributions and fundraisers to a variety of causes, in addition to the fact that he helped pay for some of his employee’s citizenship.

“The name Illegal Pete’s […] is a literary reference to a bar in a novel he read as an English major […] Turner hoped the name would be ambiguous enough to spark people’s interest,” said Josie Sexton, a writer for the Coloradoan with regards to the name’s origins.

Despite Turner’s charitable efforts and the origins of the name, “Illegal Pete’s” remains a racial slur. For the sake of people who have been accused of being “illegal” humans, the only way to prevent the use of the word is to stop using it.

There may be concern, especially around DU, about the change in an iconic Colorado restaurant. Admittedly, “Pete’s Mexican Restaurant” does not sound as unique as “Illegal Pete’s,” but marketing under a different name should not be as concerning for a restaurant that is as established as this one. For most people who are familiar with the restaurant, a change in name will not influence their decision to eat there, nor will it affect the restaurant’s reputation.

In fact, it is best for Illegal Pete’s to consider a name change before the dispute becomes larger — which would affect the restaurant’s reputation.

Illegal Pete’s operates one restaurant very close to the DU campus. DU has some history with racial controversy, specifically with the Boone mascot, and this dispute has the potential to draw the spotlight close to campus once more.

The DU community should not feel the need to intervene yet. The protest in Fort Collins will likely dissolve soon, as Turner will ideally open the new restaurant with a different name. It will not completely settle, though, unless Turner moves forward with a name change for the entire chain. It is yet unclear whether he would make such a move. If not, he will likely face an extensive problem ahead of him as the restaurant becomes associated with insensitivity.

The DU community should also take a stance if Turner does not change the name and the conflict grows closer to campus, not only to avoid association with the controversy, but also to identify its role in the Denver community. DU should function as an intellectual leader in the area. To do so, we must recognize and resolve issues around us, especially racial insensitivity.