LULAC v. Richards

Abstract

This case study examined the trials and tribulations a predominantly Mexican-American community in South Texas went through to obtain higher education opportunities for its residents. This study focuses on the LULAC v. Richards lawsuit and the South Texas Border Initiative. In 1987, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and other Mexican American organizations and individuals. The lawsuit was filed against the State of Texas claiming that higher education leaders discriminated against Mexican Americans living along the south Texas border by not offering them the same access to higher education opportunities that were offered to residents in other parts of the state. The Texas Supreme Court ultimately heard the case and ruled unanimously against the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs were not successful through the justice system; however, many individuals acknowledge that the lawsuit served as a catalyst for the South Texas Border Initiative. The South Texas Border Initiative refers to a body of legislation passed by the Texas Legislature that provided millions of dollars to support higher education for nine institutions located in south Texas along the Texas-Mexico border. By interviewing individuals involved with the events pertaining to this study and conducting extensive document analysis, this study examines why the lawsuit was filed, how the community pursued higher education opportunities, and how the south Texas region has been impacted by these efforts.