LULAC ACHIEVES HISTORIC VICTORY TO PROTECT SERVICEMEMBERS AGAINST MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Celebrates President Biden Signing Most Significant Military Executive Order in 75 Years

Washington, DC - LULAC is thrilled to announce a historic victory in the fight to protect servicemembers against military sexual trauma. President Biden has taken a crucial step by signing the most significant military, executive order in 75 years, amending the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to transfer key decision-making authorities from commanders to specialized, independent military prosecutors in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, and other serious offenses.

Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President, also commended the President's action, remarking, "Today's signing by President Biden culminates years of hard work by LULAC, along with families of victims like Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, whom a fellow service member killed. They were the victims of a process that has shielded those responsible for sexual actions leading up to and including homicide. LULAC thanks the Administration and everyone who made this landmark order possible."

The reforms implemented through Today's Executive Order represent a pivotal moment in protecting the rights and dignity of service members who have been victims of gender-based violence. President Biden's commitment to addressing this issue dates back to his time as a Senator and Vice President. As Commander in Chief, he has made it clear that caring for servicemembers and their families is a sacred obligation for the nation.

LULAC National Military and Veterans Committee Co-Chair, Leonard Gonzalez, expressed his gratitude for the Executive Order, stating, "This Executive Order sets a path to assure accountability and prevention of major crimes in the military, especially sexual misconduct that undermines good order and discipline, the underpinning of a properly functioning and disciplined military. The President has followed through on the Bipartisan efforts of Senators Gillibrand and Ernst to ensure favoritism and bias are siphoned out of the military justice system. This is long overdue and finally confronts the inequities of a system that compounds the suffering of victims."

Roman Palomares, LULAC National Military and Veterans Affairs Chair emphasized the significance of addressing the suffering endured by survivors of military sexual trauma, saying, "We thank the White House for understanding the suffering and pain by those who have endured military sexual trauma, often in silence, for fear of retaliation if they spoke up. Equally important now is for the Administration to address the lingering injustice of deported veterans who are victims of a lingering promise stretching for several years. We urge the Administration to act on this matter as soon as possible."

Patrick and Teri Caserta, parents of AE3 Brandon Caserta, who tragically died by suicide after experiencing bullying, hazing, and retaliation, expressed their gratitude to members of Congress for fighting for military victims. They highlighted the significance of moving prosecution outside the chain of command, stating, "Moving investigations outside of the chain of command takes away the stigma of reporting such egregious crimes. This gives hope to the families and friends of suicide victims as well. Outside investigations into the actions of military command leadership could and will drop the suicide rates in the Armed Forces."

LULAC applauds the President's commitment to making the military safer and more just by protecting servicemembers and providing a pathway for justice for survivors of military sexual trauma. This historic victory marks a crucial milestone in creating a system that better serves those who have sacrificed for their country. LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to advance the rights and well-being of the Latino community and will continue to work alongside partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to create lasting change for all servicemembers and veterans. Together, we can ensure a more equitable and just future for those who bravely serve our nation.

# # #

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.