LULAC SAYS UT CEREMONY FOR 2024 LATINO GRADUATING CLASS DEFEATS DISCRIMINATORY INTENT OF SB17

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Steps In to Help Fund Today's Celebration After State Law Blocked Ceremony On Campus

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) proudly congratulates the 2024 Latino class of the University of Texas (UT) and their graduation ceremony today. Despite the hurdles imposed by Senate Bill 17 (SB17) and the subsequent defunding of vital diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at UT, LULAC stood firm in its commitment to highlighting the achievements of Latino students.

"LULAC is proud to say that no one and nothing kept us from celebrating the achievements of graduating Latino students at one of the most prestigious universities in Texas and our country," says Domingo Garcia, LULAC National President. "Governor Abbott and his supporters of hateful and mean-spirited legislation like SB17 that targets Latinos, Blacks and Asians will never stop our future generations from seeking higher education and succeeding," he adds.

The decision by UT to sever funding for the Latinx Graduation, alongside other cultural graduation ceremonies, was a distressing blow to the principles of diversity and inclusivity that institutions of higher education should uphold. SB17's ban on DEI initiatives in public colleges and universities exacerbated this situation, leading to the closure of the Multicultural Engagement Center and the defunding of essential organizations such as Latinx Community Affairs, which traditionally organized the Latinx Graduation.

“LULAC condemns these actions as regressive and detrimental to the aspirations of Latino students and other marginalized communities,” says Garcia. “Eliminating vital resources and support networks sends a chilling message that diversity and inclusion are expendable. This message directly contradicts the values of America and us as Christians, and it will not stand unopposed," he adds.

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 535 Councils and 145,000 members across the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.