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