LULAC fires 5 national board officials following discovery of misconduct

The leaders of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) released a statement following a two-day national board meeting in which they committed to members, corporate partners and community allies to stay focused on the organization’s mission of serving the 66 million Latinos in the United States and Puerto Rich.

“We want to report that we have come out united, committed and stronger than ever with a single voice that includes elected representatives of LULAC from all corners of the country,” said Domingo Garcia, the national president of LULAC.

The LULAC statement denounces that: “A rogue spoofed group is waging a disinformation campaign, including saying that former LULAC National President Roger Rocha is the President of the LULAC National Institute (LNI).”

Garcia said in the statement that the false claims are being led by a group of five officers from the LULAC national board who have been removed and charged, with one of the officers expelled from the organization.

The action was taken after considering a series of violations of the organization’s constitution. The decision means that the individuals who were appointed cease to be members of the national board.

• Ralina Cardona, National Vice President for the Northeast, dismissed and charged
• Elsie Valdes-Ramos, National Vice President for Women, dismissed and charged
• Yvonne Quinones, National Vice President for the Southeast, Dismissed and dismissed
• Andres Rodriguez, National Vice President of Young Adults, Dismissed and dismissed
• Pablo Martinez, National Treasurer, Dismissed, dismissed and expelled.

The impeachment charges against President Garcia were dismissed.

In a separate related action, the board removed Linda Chavez, Southwest National Vice President, as ineligible to serve in that capacity in accordance with constitutional requirements following an expulsion. On Friday, the LULAC national board voted to terminate Sindy Benavides’ contract as CEO.

“Our eyes are on our work ahead and we are committed to working together on the urgent needs facing our people,” Garcia said. “We will not be distracted by the false claims of a small impromptu group of people falsely claiming the LULAC shield and banner. These people were removed from office and charged for violating the LULAC constitution, guiding our organization for 93 years. They do not represent LULAC, now or in the future,” he added.

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