SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 171
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Carlos Sandoval for his outstanding work on the
documentary film A Class Apart; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sandoval served as coproducer and codirector
of this exceptional film, which brings to life the struggles of
Mexican Americans against racial discrimination after World War
II; and
WHEREAS, The film is built around the landmark 1951 Supreme
Court case Hernandez v. Texas, that led to the recognition that
Mexican Americans had been denied the full rights and equal
protection guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution
of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Based on a finding that Mexican Americans had been
unconstitutionally excluded from the jury pool, the court
granted Pete Hernandez a new trial, and the decision marked an
important turning point in the civil rights struggle in United
States history; the ruling also led to successful challenges of
discriminatory practices in the areas of housing, employment,
elections, and education; and
WHEREAS, A Class Apart tells the story of the first
entirely Mexican American legal team to argue a case before the
United States Supreme Court and the first time the court dealt
with Mexican American civil rights; and
WHEREAS, Through this film, Mr. Sandoval honors the unsung
heroes of the day, including the legal team of Gus Garcia, Carlos
Cadena, John J. Herrera, and Jimmy DeAnda and the members of the
American GI Forum, who also provided invaluable support, and he
has added greatly to our understanding of our history and of the
struggles of our fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby commend Carlos Sandoval on his efforts to
tell this important story through film and extend to him best
wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Hinojosa
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 11, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate