LULAC ANALYSIS: A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR NEBRASKA AS OMAHA POLICE DEPARTMENT, NATIONAL LATINO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, AND METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERS PARTICIPATE IN FACT-FINDING TEXAS VISIT

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Facilitates Briefings with Law Enforcement, Educational, and Business Leaders, Innovating Groundbreaking Public Safety, Academic, and Workforce Training Partnerships

Washington, DC — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) recently led a three-day, first-of-its-kind fact-finding visit to Dallas, Texas, by representatives from Omaha Police Department, the National Latino Police Officers Association (NLPOA), and Metropolitan Community College. This initiative was organized to learn from successful public safety, educational, and workforce programs in North Texas, with the potential to replicate them across communities in Nebraska. Participants attended in-depth site visits, briefings, and panel discussions aimed at strengthening public safety and educational pathways.

"We are elated to have played a part in bringing together these distinguished members of this first-ever public safety, education, and workforce training delegation for a firsthand look at what we can achieve together in Nebraska, as exemplified in Dallas, Texas," says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "We appreciate that Omaha Police Department, Metropolitan Community College, and the National Latino Police Officers Association were willing to take the time to see firsthand the results of years of hard work and explore how we can replicate this success in Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond in communities that stand to benefit."

The LULAC police-education-and-workforce initiative was the brainchild of Hector Flores, former national president of LULAC and now special national advisor to Palomares. Flores is a career community advocate, including with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Relations Service. His expertise played a significant role in resolving national incidents, such as his role as a member of the DOJ Joint Task Force of Federal Law Enforcement Agencies at Wounded Knee in South Dakota in 1973. That same year, he was instrumental in helping to calm the unrest and answering calls for justice following the Russian-roulette murder of 12-year-old Santos Rodriguez at the hands of a Dallas police officer. Flores went on to work at the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. He was subsequently hired to implement a federal court order and recruit minorities to the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), 17th largest in the nation. He retired as Director of Intergovernmental Relations for DISD.

"This process is historic for Nebraska because LULAC is building upon the experience of what works, and we can forge new frameworks in other communities now facing the same challenges we have in Texas," says Flores. "I am proud of our legacy and the lasting impact similar projects can have for generations to come in Nebraska. It is now incumbent upon the stakeholders to work collaboratively and seek a resolution based on mutual respect and what is in the best interest of all parties concerned. There is simply too much at stake," he adds.

Cooperation and Trust-Building have replaced Community Unrest with Police

The delegation examined best practices from Dallas, where programs like Unidos have turned around past tensions between law enforcement and the Latino community into national success models. Now, Dallas Police Department officers work closely with local Latino leaders, building trust and collaboration to address public safety concerns directly, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding in the country's ninth-largest city. Officers operate with increased confidence, knowing that local leaders support and engage proactively on issues critical to the community's well-being.

Nina Medina, NLPOA National President, and Board Chair, expressed similar optimism about the collaborative visit: "On behalf of the National Latino Police Officers Association, we are very proud to be part of this inaugural visit and to learn best practices that are transforming communities while ensuring the safety of both officers and residents. This trip is just the beginning, and we are committed to ensuring that Omaha P.D. and the state of Nebraska join Dallas in leading the nation with innovative community policing and effective strategies that enhance quality of life. Congratulations to Nebraska LULAC for a highly successful initiative."

Elsa Ramon Aranda, Nebraska LULAC State Director, highlighted the importance of this milestone: "Nebraska LULAC is committed to turning the page with Omaha Police Department, and this visit is an essential first step. While much work remains, this is a good start, and we will maintain an ongoing dialogue to develop a blueprint for next steps and a timeline so that all stakeholders stay informed as we move forward."

Education for Underserved Communities is Nebraska's Way Forward

The delegation also toured East Texas A&M University's P-TECH program, a dynamic educational institution located in a Dallas high-rise, where students simultaneously earn high school and college credits. With an offering of up to 60 credits by the time students complete high school, P-TECH has an impressive record of over 90% of its graduates continuing to higher education. P-TECH also offers extensive support services, from career counseling to daily needs assistance, fostering a well-rounded and motivated student community.

From there, the delegation visited the Dallas College Eastfield campus, and members were briefed on the highly successful Criminal Justice and Public Safety AAS program headed by the School of Law and Public Service. Latino and Black students account for three out of every four participants, and nearly 60% are women. More than 52,000 students have attended this comprehensive dual-credit school and logged in for almost 245,000 college hours between Fall 2022 and Summer 2023.

"Education is one of the integral cornerstones of our mission since LULAC started in 1929," says Palomares. "We are excited about the possibility of creating similar initiatives in Nebraska to close the gap between Latinos over 25 years attending community college, which was 23% in 2021, compared to 48% for whites that same year. Data show a direct correlation between a state's educational attainment and economic prosperity," he adds.

Addressing Nebraska's Workforce Needs: A Collaborative Approach with Business Leaders

LULAC National is now actively exploring collaborations with Nebraska business leaders to address the state's future workforce and labor needs. Companies interested in partnering with Nebraska LULAC are encouraged to join this initiative, with upcoming visits to Nebraska job sites planned for the Nebraska LULAC Juntos/Together project. Nebraska is at a pivotal juncture, confronting a pressing need for a well-prepared workforce to support its economic and social development.

"To address these challenges, we must focus on equipping students with relevant skills through targeted educational initiatives, preparing them for careers within Nebraska," says Juan Carlos Garcia, Omaha LULAC Council President. "Through collaboration among educators, policymakers, and community leaders, we can offer pathways for young Nebraskans that align with high-demand career fields and the state's future needs. Strategic investment in education will not only bolster individual success. Still, it will also support the workforce demands of Nebraska's industries, potentially reducing the labor shortage that has left an estimated 80,000 positions unfilled," adds Garcia.

With numerous sectors experiencing increased demand for skilled labor, the ability to cultivate and retain a qualified workforce is essential to maintaining Nebraska's competitive edge. This call to action is particularly relevant as trends indicate that Nebraska is experiencing a significant "brain drain" or net outflow of workers with bachelor's degrees. Approximately 4,500 individuals with four-year degrees left the state in the past year alone. With nearly 65% of jobs by 2030 expected to require post-secondary education, this trend poses a substantial challenge for Nebraska's labor market and long-term economic vitality.

While Nebraska's labor force participation rate remains one of the highest in the country, the job opening rate currently sits at 6.7%, signaling an urgent need for qualified professionals. By prioritizing education and training to match workforce demand, we can help Nebraskans gain stable, high-quality employment while positioning the state as an attractive destination for skilled professionals nationwide. This approach is critical not only for addressing current shortages but also for fostering sustainable economic growth.

"Nebraska's success will depend on our ability to close the gap between workforce demand and educational preparedness as we move forward," says Palomares. "Together, through initiatives combining innovative training programs, career-focused curricula, and supportive pathways, we can ensure that Nebraska continues to be a place where workers and businesses thrive, and LULAC plans to be a significant part of that growth," he concludes.

For additional information on the fact-finding mission or partnership opportunities, contact Nebraska LULAC at (715) 207-9009 or by email at lulacofnebraska@gmail.com.

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.