Wasted Talent in Plain Sight: Universities, Latinos & Trump / Talento Desperdiciado: Universidades, Latinos y Trump / Noticias Telemundo

Friends: 

I encourage you to view this excellent Spanish-language documentary titled "Talento Desperdiciado: Universidades, Latinos y Trump," by Noticias Telemundo.

It looks at how colleges and universities are often seen as pathways to opportunity, yet that promise remains uneven for many Latina/o/x students.

Despite being one of the fastest-growing demographics in higher education, Latina/o/x students face persistent barriers such as financial hardship, limited institutional support, and immigration-related challenges. These obstacles prevent many from completing their degrees, resulting in a loss of potential that affects not only individuals but the nation as a whole.

The political climate during the Trump administration intensified these difficulties, particularly for students from undocumented or mixed-status families. Uncertainty surrounding immigration policies and programs like DACA created fear and instability, forcing students to balance their academic goals with concerns about their future in the country. This environment made it harder for many to stay focused, enrolled, and on track to graduate.

A big focus is on funding streams to Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) that benefit not just Latina/o/x students, but the universities themselves so that they can truly serve this population. Regardless, the Trump administration reduced HSI funding, resulting in a mix of continued baseline funding alongside significant cuts to key grant programs, together with shifts toward “race-neutral” policies that reduce targeted support, and ongoing uncertainty in how funds were distributed. Taken together, this meant that while some funding technically remained, the overall effect was a weakening and destabilization of dedicated support for HSIs, that obviously serve large Latino populations.

Changes in funding and policy directly affect the availability of scholarships, grants, and support services that many students rely on. When these resources are reduced, educational gaps widen, making it even more difficult for underrepresented students to succeed.

In places like Texas, Florida, California, Arizona, New York, and Illinois, where Latina/o/x students represent a significant share of the college population, the stakes are especially high. Their success is closely tied to the state’s economic and social future. If these students are not supported, the consequences will extend far beyond individual campuses—impacting workforce readiness, economic growth, and civic life. 

The documentary makes clear that this is not just an issue of access, but of national interest: investing in Latino students is essential, and failing to do so is a deliberate choice to leave talent, innovation, and opportunity unrealized.

-Angela Valenzuela, Ph.D.

Hispanics now the largest racial group in Texas — but not in Austin, by Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman

You wake up one day—today—and discover that Texas demographics have shifted and they'll never go back to what they were. For some, this has been a long-awaited moment. For others, it instills fear and trepidation. And still yet others, a bit anticlimactic, myself included. I somehow thought that this shift had already happened.

In any case, I most appreciate UT Professor Jacqueline Angel's take on the matter with her excellent, and I think, abundantly true comment herein that "Latinos are leading the charge to allay fears by demonstrating the positive benefits of a multicultural society." Indeed, Latinos—like Blacks and other groups—have such a long history of demonstrating the value that we add to society through our many contributions to it.

And these dynamics will continue despite inertia, extremist politics, and forces of exclusion. After all, Latinas/os are not only internally interracial and otherwise highly diverse along axes of language use and preference, generational status (especially immigrant/non-immigrant), levels of acculturation, religion, political party affiliation, gender expression and sexual orientation, and so on, but the vast majority are from this continent and thusly always home. This despite stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and policy agendas that frequently cast them as "other," "outsider," and "inferior." 

Latinas/os have such an incredibly long history of being hybrid and negotiating the complexities of this hybridity—not just in the U.S., but Mexico, too, from where I have just returned. 

We continually encounter this complexity of difference in the intimate spheres of our families and communities, too. I'm not saying this is easy. That would be a mischaracterization. Rather, it's the substance of life and we're all the better for it when we engage, rather than fear or oppose it. 

Instead of building walls, we should be building bridges across these multifaceted dimensions of difference that make life interesting and fulfilling.

The potentially lost opportunity here is that to which Dr. Angel refers, that is, the revitalization of a strong value for diversity for a state and country that need grounding and centering in these very ways.

-Angela Valenzuela

Hispanics now the largest racial group in Texas — but not in Austin

The shift has been on the horizon for decades as Texas' populations diversify

Ryan Maxin

Austin American-Statesman

July 3, 2023 | Austin American-Statesman

Hispanics have become the largest racial demographic group in Texas, new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show, capping years of population shifts and providing a potential blueprint for the U.S. as it tracks toward becoming majority-minority.

In July 2022, Latinos made up 40.2% of the state's population, according to estimates, while non-Hispanic white people accounted for 39.8%. It's the first time since the mid-1800s that non-Hispanic white Texans don't compose the largest population in the state.

The shift isn't a surprise. For decades, the share of nonwhite or mixed-race Texans has grown due to immigration, interracial marriage and more people identifying with their ancestral ethnicities. In 2004, the population of non-Hispanic white people dropped below 50% for the first time in almost two centuries.

Considering those factors and Texas' large border with Mexico, the milestone isn't much of a stand-alone achievement, said state Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio. Of more significance, he said, is the potential influence that Latinos' growing population could have.

"The Hispanic population has had an influence on our food, on our culture, on our music, on our literature, on our art, on so many things, and that's wonderful," Menéndez said. "But I think where we should strive to have a bigger impact is ... what can we do to help them achieve higher numbers, proportional numbers in higher education and academia and leadership positions?"

Menéndez, who also chairs the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus, said the numbers of Latinos across the state are not properly represented in government leadership at all levels. Hispanic populations are diverse within themselves, and Latinos subscribe to various political and ideological beliefs.

He said Texas should model itself after states he believes have done well in electing officials who are representative of the population, like California and Florida.

White population remains largest in Austin, Travis County

The white non-Hispanic population in Austin and Travis County remains the largest racial bloc, according to July 2022 estimates, though both have higher concentrations of Latinos than the U.S. overall.

Census figures show Austin's non-Hispanic white population is 47.8% of the city's people, while its Hispanic population makes up 33.1%. Travis County's data are similar; non-Hispanic white people account for 58.9% of the county, whereas Hispanics make up 19.1%.

Brittney Rodriguez, chief operating officer of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said a variety of reasons contribute to the disparity between Austin and the state. As the cost of living in the city rises, Latino residents are being priced out of places they've long lived, she said, and minority-owned businesses are closing at higher rates, leading minority entrepreneurs to relocate.

Austin breaks into top 10 list of largest U.S. cities.See how other Texas cities ranked.

Latinos face substantial barriers in health care and education, Rodriguez added. In Austin, Latinos tend to rely heavily on public transportation, meaning they wake up earlier in the morning for work and arrive home later in the evening.

"I think those are the areas that we've got to be much more conscientious of safeguarding to ensure that the city that we love is kept intact, and the parts of the city that we love are safeguarded for future generations to also enjoy. It's what makes Austin so great," Rodriguez said.

In 2019, the median income for Hispanic households in Travis County was 2.3 times less than that of white households, according to the 2022 community health assessment for Austin and the county. The assessment also found that Latinos were most likely not to have graduated from high school compared with other racial groups.

Several recent legislative and political actions have taken aim at the intersection of education and race that could affect marginalized groups' access to higher education. Texas lawmakers recently passed Senate Bill 17, which prohibits public colleges and universities in the state from maintaining or establishing diversity, equity and inclusion offices and from requiring anyone to provide DEI statements or participate in DEI training starting in 2024.

Texas legislative regular session ends.What higher education bills passed?

On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling prohibiting the consideration of race in public and private college admissions nationwide, essentially overturning affirmative action initiatives. The move is expected to affect thousands of students applying for colleges and universities in Texas.

Challenges to Latinos detrimentally affect other populations, experts say

Financial and representative deficiencies faced by Latinos have the potential to translate to widespread issues across populations, said Jacqueline Angel, a University of Texas professor of public affairs and sociology. She asserted that those who express apathy toward challenges affecting other populations will probably experience the pitfalls of those challenges, too.

"A healthier state is a more productive state, and we know that if one doesn't have access to affordable health care, as well as available health care, then that's not going to be possible," Angel said. "We need a healthy nation. We need a healthy state. We need healthy communities that bring everyone together, not tear them apart."

What this means for Texas colleges.U.S. Supreme Court overturns affirmative action.

Angel said people tend to fear those who are different from themselves, but Latinos are leading the charge to allay fears by demonstrating the positive benefits of a multicultural society. Rodriguez cited the role Latinos take in society as proof of those benefits.

"These men and women are an integral part of your, mine and everyone else's day-to-day," Rodriguez said. "From the food on your table to the roadways you drive on, these are the folks who are contributing so much work and making it possible."

Hispanics, Asians drove post-pandemic U.S. population growth, data shows

This trend of ever-greater diversity in our country is applicable to European countries, too. For example, read this blog post by Francesco Ripa titled, Europe is increasingly more diverse—when will city leadership follow suit? With the movement of migrants and refugees, our entire world is becoming diverse. The issue is how we adjust to the demographic changes before us everywhere.

-Angela Valenzuela 

Hispanics, Asians drove post-pandemic U.S. 

population growth, data shows

Updated June 22, 2023 at 3:14 p.m. EDT|Published June 22, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

By Tara Bahrampour | Washington Post

Amazon employees get off a bus at the grand opening of Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, Va., on June 15. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)

Much of the increase is due to an increase in net immigration, Brookings Institution demographer William Frey said

The country’s population has begun to rebound across race and ethnic groups after dipping during the pandemic, new census data released Thursday shows.

The U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday released Vintage 2022 Population Estimates, which include updated population estimates by age, race and Hispanic origin.

An analysis by William Frey, a senior demographer at the Brookings Institution, showed the White population declining by 668,418 people, compared with a record decline of 809,784 people the previous year. The Hispanic population grew by 1.04 million, compared with 786,622 the year before. Asians and Pacific Islanders increased by 475,679, compared with 240,191 the previous year, and Black people increased by 211,193 compared with 121,787 the year before.

Much of the population increase is due to an increase in net immigration, Frey said. “Immigration nearly tripled compared to the year before and, together, Latinos and Asians make up more than two-thirds of arrivals. This helped to counter a continued, though more modest, decline in the nation’s older native-born White population.”

The D.C. metro area’s increase in population (it grew by 8,849 people after losing 1,772 the year before) was driven by the growth of its Hispanic and Asian populations, according to Frey’s analysis.

Most of the gain in the region came from an increase in the Hispanic population, which almost doubled its gain from the previous year (20,501, compared to 11,855) as well as a gain in the Asian and Pacific Islander population (from 8,847 to 12,152).

The White population continued to decline across the region in larger numbers (27,676 last year compared to 24,020 the previous year). The Black population showed a smaller decline, losing 453 people last year compared to 2,612 the year before.

However, there was a bigger gain of White people in the District itself, which, along with gains for Hispanic people, was largely responsible for its shift from a population decline in 2020-2021 compared with a gain in 2021-2022 (declining by 2,077 vs. growing by 3,012).

By contrast, most suburban counties continued to show White declines, many at larger levels than during 2020-2021, the prime pandemic year. Exceptions were in Alexandria and Arlington, which showed markedly lower White declines in 2021-2022, contributing, along with gains of other racial groups, to their flip from declining populations in 2020-21 to small gains last year.

Asians also had large gains in Fairfax County, and Hispanics and Asians saw large gains in Montgomery and Fairfax counties.

By contrast, most suburban counties continued to show White declines, many at larger levels than during 2020-2021, the prime pandemic year. Exceptions were in Alexandria and Arlington, which showed markedly lower White declines in 2021-2022, contributing, along with gains of other racial groups, to their flip from declining populations in 2020-21 to small gains last year.

Asians also had large gains in Fairfax County, and Hispanics and Asians saw large gains in Montgomery and Fairfax counties.

“The eldest of the echo boomers have started to reach or exceed the nation’s median age of 38.9,” she said. Noting that birthrates have gradually declined over the past two decades, she said, “Without a rapidly growing young population, the U.S. median age will likely continue its slow but steady rise.”

Median age is the age at which half of the population is older and half of the population is younger. The data released Thursday reflects the period from July 2021 to July 2022.

A third of U.S. states had a median age above 40.0 in 2022, with Maine having the highest, at 44.8, followed by New Hampshire, at 43.3. The lowest median ages were in Utah, at 31.9, and Texas, 35.5. Hawaii had the largest increase in median age among states, up 0.4 years, to 40.7.

Median age was 34.8 in Washington, D.C., 40.1 in Maryland, and 39.0 in Virginia.

No states experienced a decrease in median age, but Alabama, Maine, Tennessee and West Virginia, showed no change, as did the District.

Among counties with populations of 100,000 or more, several of the oldest were in Florida, including Sumter County, home to a substantial retirement community, which has a median age of 68. Several of the youngest counties were home to large universities.

By Tara Bahrampour

Tara Bahrampour, a staff writer based in Washington, D.C., writes about aging, generations and demography. She has also covered immigration and education and has reported from the Middle East and North Africa, and from the republic of Georgia. Twitter

 This, on top of what truly is a teacher retention crisis in our state and nation. 

Our policy problems are totally human-made. We must support public education.

-Angela

Texas students are becoming 'majority-minority.' Data shows how teaching staffs lag behind

Latino students make up the majority but only 30% of teachers are Latino

Hannah Dellinger, Staff writer

Sep. 28, 2022

Kindergarten dual-language students work on an assignment at Vines Primary School in Aldine ISD Thursday, July 22, 2021 in Houston.

Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Though the majority of Texas public school students are Latino, most 

teachers and principals in the state are white.

While 53 percent of the state's 5.4 million students enrolled during the

2021-22 school year were Latino, data from the Texas Education Agency

shows, just 29 percent of teachers and 25 percent of principals were Latino.

White students accounted for 26 percent of the student population, but

white teachers account for 56 percent of teachers and 57 percent of

principals.

Research shows teacher and administrator diversity benefits all 

students, particularly students of color, and many advocates say

educators should more closely reflect the cultural and racial 

demographics of students.

Hannah Dellinger is the Houston Chronicle's suburban education reporter covering 30 

plus school districts in the region.

U.S. Census Bureau reports "Latinos Rise to Record-High 18.9% of U.S. Population"

Here are informative statistics out of the U.S. Census Bureau, showing a marked increase of the U.S. Latino population which, as we know, is highly diverse. Not shown here, but other data show that Mexican-origin people are just above 60 percent of all Latinos/Hispanics. As addressed more fully in a recent post to this blog, what it means to be "Latino," "Latina" or "Latinx" is a social construction, accounting for why we don't all vote the same and why pan-ethnic "Latina/o" or "Latinx" identities might be more salient in some places and times than in other places and times. 

To be sure, there is a lot of richness and complexity to what we might call the "Latino experience." Thanks to Dr. Victor Saenz for sharing.

-Angela Valenzuela

Latinos Rise to Record-High 18.9% of U.S. Population

by Alyssa Gonzales July 19, 2022

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The U.S. Latino population has risen to 62,647,044, representing 18.9% of the nation’s population, according to new Census Bureau estimates.

The number of Latinos in the U.S. grew by 767,907 from 2020 to 2021, an increase of 1.2%, according to the newest data.

Here is everything you need to know.

What Defines “Hispanic Origin” on the Census?

Individuals filling out the Census can choose between two ethnicities, “Hispanic or Latino” or “Not Hispanic or Latino”

What defines being “Hispanic or Latino” when filling out the Census?

According to the Census website, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines “Hispanic or Latino” as a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

The Census Bureau has conducted content tests to improve the design and function of different questions on race and ethnicity since the 1970s.

With the growth in diversity and population, individuals may find the ethnic categories confusing or wish to see their specific on the census questionnaire.

Census research showed that, over time, an increasing number of people do not identify with any of the official OMB race categories, contributing to a rise in respondents who are racially classified as “Some Other Race” (SOR).

The Census website reports, “This was primarily due to reporting by Hispanics, who make up the overwhelming majority of those classified as SOR, not identifying with any of the OMB race categories.”

The Census Bureau has continued to conduct research and outreach regarding race and ethnicity. Read more about the usage of the terms Latinx, Latino, and Hispanic.

How Fast is the Latino Population Growing?

The Latino population continues to grow rapidly.

In 2010, Latinos accounted for 16% of the U.S. population.

Latinos reached 18.5% of the U.S. population in 2019, and they have now reached 18.9% as of 2021, according to the new Census Bureau data.

“Hispanic (of any race) was the largest gaining and second-fastest-growing race or Hispanic origin category, increasing by 767,907 or 1.24% [from 2020 to 2021],” according to the data.

The Hispanic origin category increased by 1.54% in the 12-month period between 2020 and 2021.

Of the current 62,647,044 U.S. Latinos, there are 31,716,199 Latino males (50.6%) and 30,930,845 Latina females (49.4%).

Where Is the Latino Population Rising or Falling?

The states of California, Florida, and Texas continue to have the biggest Latino populations, but other states have seen growth as well.

Maine and Montana were the fastest-growing states for Latinos, both at a 5.4% rate.

Only two areas experienced declines in Latino population, including New York with a 1.1% decrease and the District of Columbia 2.5% decrease.

The median Latino population for counties in 2021 was 1,217 people. Los Angeles County had the largest Latino county population at 4,824,989 people, followed by Harris County, Texas (2,097,602) and Miami-Dade County, Florida (1,838,864).

California saw the largest Latino population with a total of 15,754,605.

What is the Median Age of U.S. Latinos?

The Census Bureau also reported that the “median age for most states also increased from 2020 to 2021, indicating their populations are getting older overall.”

2021 Census Population Estimates show that the national median age has increased by 3.4 years, with the largest single-year gain of 0.3 years coming in 2021, bringing it to 38.8 years.

While Latinos are much younger than the national median age, the median age of Latinos increased from 30.2 in 2020 to 30.5 in 2021. This is older than the median age of Latinos in 2010 (27.3 years).

Why Is Latino Health Important?

The rapid growth of the Latino population means the nation’s future health depends on it.

Yet Latinos face vast health inequities that contribute to health disparities in cancer, Alzheimer’s, COVID-19, and other health conditions.

Inequities include:

• Access to healthy food and food insecurity.
• Health discrimination and
• Wage gaps and workforce discrimination.
• Housing, transportation, and green spaces.
• Access to healthcare and clinical trials.

Systemic change is needed to address the inequities to achieve health equity, where Latinos and all people have a fair, just opportunity to be their healthiest.

How Can You Improve Health Equity for U.S. Latinos? 

You can speak up for Latino health in your community.

Enter your county name to receive a Salud America! Health Equity Report Card.

The report card serves as a data dashboard tool that auto-generates Latino-focused and local data with interactive maps and comparative gauges.

This can help you visualize and explore health-related factors in your area compared to your county to the rest of the state and the nation.

The data from the report card can help start or support a conversation about solutions to inequities that impact your community! Share it with local leaders and on social media!

Get your Health Equity Report Card!

Consider what Hector Ruiz and Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez write to get a sense of our potential electoral power in terms of being poised to have an extraordinary impact on the election:

Across the U.S, since 2016, 4.7 million Latinos have become eligible to vote, the greatest increase of any ethnic group in the country. Each year over 900,000 Latinos turn 18, many in key swing states such as Texas, Florida and Arizona. And in Texas alone, an average of 210,000 Latinos will turn 18 each year, with 95% of them U.S. citizens – roughly one-half of all new eligible voters coming of age in the state. In short, young Latinos represent one of the largest and fastest-growing political forces in America. 

Do note that the voter registration deadline is just 15 days away. Note, as well, that in 2016, Trump won Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin only by a total of 80,000 votes.Texas is a big state and boasts almost as many electoral votes as these 3 states combined.

Do make sure that yours and your family members' voter registration is current here: 

CHECK MY REGISTRATION

-Angela Valenzuela

#Vote2020

Opinion: Reeling under Trump, Latinos can determine a different outcome

By Hector Ruiz and Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez

Posted Sep 20, 2020 at 12:01 AM Austin American-Statesman