September 20, 2023

HACU President speaks at State of Latinos discussion in Washington, D.C.

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ President and CEO Antonio R. Flores spoke at the State of Latinos in Washington, D.C., joining other leaders from Hispanic organizations to offer perspectives on the current higher education environment affecting Latinos and Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The event was hosted by the office of Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, with Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Díaz Barragán also in attendance.

Flores provided an overview of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), the HSI designation, and the student demographic they serve. HACU's perspective on the role of HSIs, particularly in the context of the recent Supreme Court of the United States decision on Affirmative Action within higher education, and the need for increasing federal support for HSIs at an equitable level was also discussed.

Other organizations participating included:

  • GreenLatinos
  • Hispanic Federation
  • Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
  • MamásConPoder at MomsRising
  • Mi Familia Vota
  • National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund
  • National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders
  • University of California, Los Angeles Latino Policy and Politics Institute
  • UnidosUS
  • VotoLatino