In a letter dated Dec. 18, and published online by a journalism company that focuses on politics and policy, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) told President-elect Joe Biden that they were glad the incoming administration has taken steps towards ensuring a diverse Cabinet, by nominating Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security and Xavier Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
In addition to the two leaders already nominated, the CHC letter reiterates the importance of having more Latino representation. The 38 lawmakers of Hispanic descent offered an “enthusiastic endorsement” of Mr. Miguel Cardona for Secretary of Education. “Furthermore, we had previously sent a support letter for Lily Eskelsen Garcia for Secretary of Education and we remain strongly supportive of her,” the CHC also said.
On Tuesday, December 22, it was reported that President-elect Biden had nominated Miguel Cardona for education secretary.
“In Miguel Cardona, America will have an experienced and dedicated public school teacher leading the way at the Department of Education — ensuring that every student is equipped to thrive in the economy of the future, that every educator has the resources they need to do their jobs with dignity and success, and that every school is on track to reopen safely,” Mr. Biden said in a statement. “He will help us address systemic inequities, tackle the mental health crisis in our education system, give educators a well-deserved raise, ease the burden of education debt, and secure high-quality, universal pre-K for every three- and four-year-old in the country.”
If he’s confirmed by the Senate, Cardona would be the first Puerto Rican and the second Latino in the position, reports say. The full text of the CHC letter is below:
“Mr. Cardona’s extensive career has spanned across every level of education,” the CHC wrote. ” He started his career as an elementary school teacher and then became a principal by the age of 28. He went on to serve as an assistant superintendent and then as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut. In 2019, Mr. Cardona was named the education commissioner, the first Latino to hold the post in the state of Connecticut. As a Spanish-only speaking student when he first started school, Mr. Cardona fully grasps the challenges that English as Second Language (ESL) Learners, Latinos, and other minority students face in America’s classrooms.
“We know that all schools, from the elementary level to the college level, face a challenging road ahead as we work to recover from the pandemic. It is clear that Mr. Cardona’s record of accomplishments demonstrates that he is capable and qualified to lead the Department of Education. Further, as a Puerto Rican leader, he will bring a valued and diverse voice to the Cabinet,” the CHC said.
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