LOS ANGELES – MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) mourns the passing on Saturday of one of its founding board members, Joe J. Bernal. He was 97.
Bernal, a native Texan, grew up to become a champion of Latino civil rights, bilingual education, and equality. A veteran of World War II, Bernal used the G.I. Bill to go to college, eventually receiving a doctorate in education. After teaching for several years and working as a community activist and social worker, Bernal served six years in the Texas state legislature. From 1966–1972, he was the author of many bills including the state's first bilingual education law. He was also the primary author of other landmark education bills, such as a bill that created free statewide kindergarten programs, and a bill that established the University of Texas at San Antonio.
In 1968, he became a founding board member of MALDEF, and his tenure lasted for 10 years. In 1971, Bernal was lead plaintiff in a successful challenge by MALDEF to Texas’ 1970 congressional redistricting plans. White v. Regester defeated a voter-suppression tactic used by the state – mega districts – for all time across the nation. In 2009, MALDEF awarded Bernal and his wife, Mary Esther, a Lifetime Achievement Award for their commitment to advancing civil rights and educational equity.
Please attribute the following statement to Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF:
“Joe Bernal is an icon in the area of education civil rights, and his support for MALDEF has been steadfast throughout our organizational existence. His knowledge, experience, and commitment will be sorely missed. His very full life was a life full of commitment to the Latino community. Our condolences to his family.”
Please attribute the following statement to Ambassador Vilma Martinez, president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1973 to 1982:
“Joe Bernal, a founder of MALDEF and committed public servant, was a hero for the Mexican American and, indeed, the wider community. For me, he was both friend and inspiration. His work promoting and enshrining the right to bilingual education ensured that many non-English speaking students received true and truly equal educational opportunities. This alone was an enormous achievement. We will miss him and his twinkly smile.”
Please attribute the following statement to Antonia Hernandez, president and general counsel of MALDEF from 1985 to 2004:
“Joe Bernal was a trailblazer in the state of Texas and beyond. He knew the community’s issues and concerns, and he was unafraid to advocate for the best interests of the Latino community. We need more like him today.”