MALDEF recognized the contributions of three leaders at its Washington, D.C. Awards Gala for their commitment to uplifting and protecting the civil rights of the Latino community.

Beautiful evening last week at @maldef.bsky.social 2026 Washington DC Gala.

Our President and General Counsel, Thomas A. Saenz, joined students from the Latin American Law Students Association at Boston University School of Law for an interactive conversation on civil rights law, recent legal developments, and pathways into public-interest advocacy.

Through PSP, parents gained the tools to advocate for stronger schools and communities while growing as leaders. Your dedication and voices are making a difference. www.maldef.org/7x7b

ICE are not “super police” who don’t have to follow the rules, MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas Saenz tells the @baltimorebanner. Read more about your rights: www.maldef.org/jdc6%E2%80%8B

As the 2026 election cycle begins, MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz joined national voting rights leaders to highlight emerging threats to voter participation and the fight to protect access to the ballot—because democracy only works when every voter can participate.

Latino civil rights group will appeal order blocking KY in-state tuition for immigrants • Kentucky Lantern A Latino civil rights group will appeal a court ruling barring Kentucky from granting in-state tuition rates to people without permanent legal status.

We’re not done fighting—far from it. MALDEF is standing with Kentucky students, appealing a decision that could more than double tuition for those who have lived and studied in the state for years. www.maldef.org/4uu5

“Crackdowns” may be the goal—but classrooms are feeling the fallout. Trump’s agenda is reshaping school communities. Report cites Thomas A. Saenz, President & General Counsel of MALDEF, as he explains implications if Plyler v. Doe is overturned. www.maldef.org/xqor

It’s called ‘public’ safety for multiple reasons: trust and cooperation with law enforcement are essential. MALDEF President & General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz explains why federal agents should always identify themselves. Read the piece he wrote: www.maldef.org/nske

Join us as we celebrate Shaheena Simons, Senior Advisor for Strategy and Programs at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, with an Excellence in Legal Service Award at our 2026 Washington, D.C., Awards Gala.

Learn more about MALDEF’s Law School Scholarship, meet the recipients, and download the 2026–2027 application here: www.maldef.org/i0j9 Applications are due by 05/15/26. #lawschool #civilrights #scholarship #lawscholarship #maldef

MALDEF is appealing a court decision that stripped immigrant students in Kentucky of access to regular tuition. We won’t stop pushing back against this administration’s efforts to dismantle opportunities for immigrant students. Read more: www.maldef.org/hf6r

Apply now for MALDEF’s Law School Scholarship! Full-time U.S. law students passionate about Latino civil rights, submit by 05/15/26 www.maldef.org/i0j9

Congratulations to Julie Gallego, who will lead communications and media relations across MALDEF’s five regional and three satellite offices, strengthening the organization’s national voice and outreach. www.maldef.org/jltt

Birthright Citizenship Plan Faces Costly Verification Hurdles

“It’s going to result in a stateless class of people within our country.” — Andrea Senteno, MALDEF Regional Counsel in Washington, D.C., on the risks of restricting birthright citizenship. Another Trump-era push putting immigrant families on uncertain ground. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/01/u...

Visit this link to learn more and get the support you need to reach your educational goals: www.maldef.org/qjeb #scholarship #education #resources #collegemoney #maldef

College credit in high school? Trump administration pushes new limits for undocumented students Chalkbeat reporting found that nearly every Virginia school district agreed to block undocumented students from accessing federally funded career-technical education programs. The leader of a superint...

“Denial is not just a denial of equal access… it is an injury to the whole community.” — MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz. He speaks on the broader impact of denying educational opportunities to undocumented students. www.maldef.org/kqq1

Join us as we celebrate @raulareyes.bsky.social Attorney & NBC Latino Contributor, with a Lifetime Achievement – Excellence in Community Service Award at our 2026 Washington, D.C., Awards Gala.

We mourn the passing of Dr. Rudy Acuña, pioneering scholar and tireless advocate for Chicano and Mexican American communities. Honored with MALDEF’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, his work gave voice to generations, preserved history, and inspired movements for justice and equity.

The Push to Keep Undocumented Students Out Of School: Will It Succeed? - Education On The Line The Supreme Court's landmark 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision established that every child in America has the right to a public education, regardless of immigration status. For 43 years, that ruling has ke...

Access to free K–12 public education was secured by a 1982 Supreme Court decision—and today, it’s under threat.
MALDEF President & General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz joined Education on the Line to discuss the fight to defend Plyler v. Doe. Listen to the full conversation: www.maldef.org/h27y

Join us as we celebrate Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor of The City University of New York, with a Lifetime Achievement – Excellence in Community Service Award at our 2026 Washington, D.C., Awards Gala.

Voting is a right—it’s that simple. MALDEF joined advocates at the #StopTheSAVEAct rally in Washington, D.C., standing against efforts to restrict the freedom to vote.

Thank you to the incredible partners who hosted our community reception with MALDEF President Thomas A. Saenz—Attorneys Fred Alvarez, Michael J. Baller, Christine Brigagliano, Feinberg Jackson Worthman & Wasow LLP, California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance, and ACLU of Northern California.

MALDEF President & General Counsel testified before a House subcommittee & @scanlon.house.gov about the benefits of Plyler v. Doe, the 1982 Supreme Court decision that provided equal access to K-12 public education for all. Find out why efforts to dismantle it are "folly": www.maldef.org/xf0q

Mr. Saenz delivered a powerful message to Congress: every child has the right to K–12 public education—no excuses, no exceptions, no matter where they come from. Plyler v. Doe isn’t just a court decision; it’s the law. Watch the full hearing: www.maldef.org/o0i2

Join us on Wednesday, April 15, at the The Mayflower Hotel for MALDEF’s 2026 Washington, D.C. Annual Awards Gala.
We’re honored to celebrate the leadership and impact of Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Raul A. Reyes, and Shaheena Simons.
Get your tickets here: www.maldef.org/b9mg

Thomas A. Saenz, President & General Counsel of MALDEF, joined a conversation at SXSW EDU 2026 on defending equity, inclusion, & diversity in higher ed. Hosted by the Campaign for College Opportunity, the panel highlighted the importance of protecting opportunity for all students. @sxswedu.com

MALDEF is a co-sponsor of SB 995, legislation to strengthen California’s oversight of private immigration detention facilities and ensure they meet essential health and safety standards. Accountability does not stop at the detention center gate. Read more: www.maldef.org/yu2e

In 2025, MALDEF secured important victories for our community and continued defending Latinos in court. As we navigate 2026, we remain committed to empowering our communities and defending the rights of Latinos across the nation. #MALDEF

This Women’s History Month, we honor Vilma Martinez and Antonia Hernández- trailblazing leaders. Combined, they led MALDEF for 28 years. Their visionary leadership secured landmark victories and shaped the organization as a powerful legal voice for the Latino community.