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Press Release

LULAC Disappointed at Presidential Nomination for U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Organizational leaders to examine nominee’s record on legal issues affecting minority communities –immigration, voting rights, affirmative action, education and political access

July 20, 2005

Contact: Brenda Alvarez (202) 833-6130

Washington, DC – The League of United American Citizens (LULAC) has expressed its strong disappointment in President George W. Bush’s nomination of Judge John G. Roberts to the U.S. Supreme Court, replacing Sandra Day O’Connor.  The administration missed an historic opportunity to place a highly qualified Latino on the Supreme Court. 

LULAC officials called on President Bush earlier this month to fill the vacancy with a qualified Hispanic dedicated to protecting the rights of all Americans.  Therefore, since the announcement of Justice O’Connor’s retirement, LULAC submitted its endorsement of Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales. 

“We met with the White House on various occasions and were told that the President would consider nominating a Hispanic to the Court,” said Hector M. Flores, LULAC National President.   

Flores added, “We are disappointed that this historic nomination did not occur, and we feel that comments about Gonzales from extreme conservatives may have polluted the White House’s opinion of Gonzales.” 

LULAC leaders will examine the nominee’s record on legal issues affecting minority communities – particularly on immigration, affirmative action, voting rights, education and political access.  It is LULAC’s hope that Judge John G. Roberts will uphold the individual rights and freedoms of all Americans, and strictly apply the constitution and not legislate from the bench should he be approved by the Senate.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.  LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating across the country at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.

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