LULAC SALUTES A TRAILBLAZER FOR EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE: HONORING ROBERT SANTOS' LEADERSHIP AT THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Thanks the First Latino to Serve as Director of the 123-Year Agency that Counts America's Population

Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) bids farewell to a historic leader whose commitment to data integrity and equity has left an indelible mark on our country and championed millions of historically undercounted individuals.

"We thank Robert Santos for his exceptional service to the U.S. Census Bureau, serving as director since 2022," says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "His guidance has been invaluable at the nation's foremost and largest federal statistical agency during one of its most critical periods. We are indebted to him for leading the team that collected and published data through the decennial census, the American Community Survey, and other surveys, informing and improving national decision-making in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors," Palomares added.

Santos was instrumental in pushing back against efforts that would have undermined the 2020 Census, including attempts to end counting prematurely and add a citizenship question that threatened to suppress participation among Latino and Asian American communities. His tenure as director embodied his lifelong dedication to statistical integrity and social equity, ensuring that every community—regardless of background—was counted and recognized.

"History shall bear out that Santos was the right person, of integrity and experience when America needed these values the most," said Palomares. "His career as a nationally recognized statistician restored confidence in the Census Bureau. Also, being the first Latino to head the Bureau instilled hope among millions of underrepresented communities when President Biden appointed him after years of interference by the first Trump administration. LULAC is proud of Director Santos' service, and he will remain our friend," Palomares concluded.

LULAC honors Robert Santos as he embarks on his next chapter for his groundbreaking leadership, principled fairness, and accuracy. His impact on public policy and the communities that rely on it will be felt for generations.

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.