Read about some of MALDEF’s work in the courts to uphold the civil rights of all Latinos.
MALDEF works to secure equitable educational outcomes for students in K-12 schools, and to ensure Latino students have equal access and success in higher education.
Tucson, AZ – A federal court of appeals should dismiss a request by Tucson education officials to end a decades-long desegregation case because the district failed to make that request in the lower court, according to a motion...
Los Angeles, CA — The New Mexico Public Education Department has publicly stated that it intends to appeal a court ruling that the state has failed to live up to its constitutional obligation to provide a sufficient education to...
In Martinez v. State of New Mexico, a state court ruled that New Mexico’s education system violates the state constitution because it fails to provide all students an adequate public education.
MALDEF is committed to ending discrimination in hiring and promotion, and to improving working conditions for all Latinos.
Los Angeles, CA – A former Marin Housing Authority employee who faced a hostile work environment that included anti-Latino and homophobic comments was fired shortly after he complained to his supervisor, according to a lawsuit...
Los Angeles, CA – On May 3, 2018, MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) filed a lawsuit, on behalf of an individual job applicant work-authorized through DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood...
Los Angeles, CA – A digital services firm based in Silicon Valley illegally denied a paid internship to a qualified applicant based on her immigration status, according to a letter sent to California state labor officials...
MALDEF strives to ensure all immigrants receive fair treatment under the law, and works to combat discriminatory policies in the private and public sectors.
Los Angeles, CA – Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) issued the statement below in response to a bipartisan Senate vote today rejecting Donald J....
Washington, D.C. – Lawmakers have introduced HR 6 – the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 – a bill that would provide a humane and sensible path to legalization for immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and currently...
Los Angeles, CA – Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling by a federal court in California...
MALDEF works to eliminate barriers to equitable political representation and the right to vote.
LOS ANGELES, CA – MALDEF sent a letter to Union City officials today warning that the city’s at-large system of electing the city council and mayor violates the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (CVRA). In the letter, sent...
Los Angeles, CA – A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former mayor of Poway that sought to overturn the city’s district based election system and challenged the constitutionality of the California Voting...
San Antonio, TX – A federal court today formally restrained 13 counties named in MALDEF’s lawsuit from removing individuals from voter rolls. The court also ordered the Texas Secretary of State to similarly advise counties....
MALDEF works to ensure that the Latino community enjoys ready access to a judicial system that provides meaningful redress to the denial of rights with respect to all basic human needs and services.
Voters around the nation face a critical mid-term election on November 6, 2018. There are numerous gubernatorial, senatorial, congressional, legislative, and local races for elected representatives on the ballot this fall....
Los Angeles, CA – Civil rights attorneys are asking state officials to investigate Kern County prosecutors in connection with the recent filing of misdemeanor charges against a county supervisor. MALDEF (Mexican American...
San Antonio, TX – A federal court has granted a request by MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) and TCRP (Texas Civil Rights Project) to temporarily block a 2018 rule adopted by the Commissioners...
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund