March 18, 2021

HACU statement on confirmation of Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has released the following statement commending the Senate confirmation of Xavier Becerra to lead U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

“HACU congratulates Xavier Becerra on his confirmation as the next U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “His historic confirmation as the first Latino to lead the HHS puts him in a unique position to better understand the plight of minority communities. His leadership will further focus HHS on addressing the health disparities that were exacerbated by the global pandemic.”

In 2017, Becerra was sworn in as the 33rd Attorney General of the State of California and became the first Latino to hold the office in the history of the state. He previously served 12 terms in Congress as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“HACU looks forward to working with Secretary Becerra in his new role and supporting efforts that would help address the nation’s health crisis, which has affected Hispanic communities disproportionately.”

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