HACU Conference Addresses Federal, Education Issues for Hispanics

Dr. Antonio R. Flores, president and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
CHICAGO — Dr. Antonio R. Flores, president and CEO of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, did not have to dig deeply to find compelling evidence that plenty of work remains for his organization to do to ensure that his constituents are well represented in higher education and the world at large.

Two screens in the ballroom Saturday displayed the cover of the latest edition of Time magazine that featured a headline of “The United States of Texas” and a map to promote an article inside about the state’s impact and influence on national issues.

Flores said that despite the fact that 40 percent of the state’s population is Latino, the six-page “article basically does not mention once — not even one word — about the tremendous contributions and the presence of the Latino community.”

He said that the failure to acknowledge “the huge Latino elephant in the Texas living room is totally unacceptable for us, and we will correct it.” For the record, the national headquarters for Flores’ organization is deep in the heart of Texas in San Antonio.

Flores went on to highlight the successes and challenges ahead for HACU in kicking off its 27th annual national conference, which continues through today. Among the successes:

· Federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions has grown from $12 million in 1995 to nearly $250 million in 2013;

· HACU, the only national educational association that represents HSIs, counts more than 400 colleges and universities among its members;