March 16, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has released the following statement commending the Senate confirmation of Deb Haaland, to serve as the next Secretary of Interior.

“HACU congratulates Deb Haaland on her confirmation as the next U.S. Secretary of Interior,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Her historic confirmation as the first Native American to lead the Interior Department as well as the first Native American Cabinet secretary is a source of great pride for all Americans.”

Haaland was elected as one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress. She is a 35th generation New Mexican who is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna. She became the first Native American woman to be elected to lead a State Party.

“HACU looks forward to working with Secretary Haaland and ensuring that Hispanic-Serving Institutions have a role in Department programs, which are critical to the well-being of Hispanics in the U.S. and of all Americans.”

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. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Sacramento, California and Washington, D.C. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

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HACU Media Contacts:
Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia, njgarcia@hacu.net | 210.576.3206
Chris de Hoyos, chris.dehoyos@hacu.net | 210.576.3242