December 7, 2020

San Antonio, Texas – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has released the following statement on the selection of The Honorable Eloise Gómez Reyes as the first Latina elected as the Majority Leader in the California State Assembly.

“The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) wholeheartedly applauds the selection of Assembly Member Reyes as the next Assembly Majority Leader,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “She has long been a champion of the underserved and a strong advocate and voice on behalf of Latino success in higher education.”

As the first Latina to open a law office in the Inland Empire, and now as the first Latina to assume the position of Majority Leader in the California State Assembly, Assembly Member Reyes is no stranger to being a trailblazer. She is also a staunch supporter of increasing equity and inclusion among vulnerable communities throughout the state. As a first-generation college and law school graduate whose parents emigrated from Mexico, Assembly Member Reyes is especially sensitive to the needs of underserved populations.

“HACU looks forward to continuing to work with the new Majority Leader, and the Legislature, on moving forward issues that further increase access and success for students across the state,” added Flores. Among the more than 500 HACU member institutions nationwide 116 are in California.

About HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Sacramento, California and Washington, D.C. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

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