As we bear witness to the unjust effects of Texas’ new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws, Jolt remains committed to transforming Texas into a state where Latinos are well-represented and treated with fairness and respect. We manifest this commitment by condemning Senate Bill 17, 88(R) SB-17, which led to program shut downs, educator layoffs, and the restructuring of inclusive campus spaces, undermining efforts to support people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals state-wide.

Jolt’s DEI Statement:

Jolt believes that our democracy is stronger when everyone has a seat at the table. We use the power of art, culture and storytelling to counter harmful narratives about Latinos in Texas. We are building a Latino-led movement that will win our community the power and respect it deserves.

We believe young Latinos will transform Texas through the power of their vote. Together we are building a democracy that represents the voices and values of our diverse state. Our programming is driven by the voices of young Latinos across the state of Texas. By empowering and motivating our employees and members to lead and organize, we believe we are modeling the kind of inclusive democracy that we as a community wish to build. 

Jolt recognizes that the voices of the Latino community should be represented as they continue to be disproportionately impacted by inequitable representation and systemic processes and structures. It is important that we continue to develop leaders in the areas of voter rights and fair representation, climate resiliency and economy, healthcare, education, and immigration.  

Jolt is a diverse organization composed of Latinos and allies from all backgrounds to transform Texas into a State where Latinos are represented in places of power and fair representation. 

 

SB-17 goes beyond impacting undocumented students, it strips away lifelines from every single minority group in Texas. The elimination of Texas university DEI initiatives included the Monarch Program, which provided support and scholarships to undocumented students of all backgrounds. Inclusive democracy, reflected in our programming driven by the voices of young Latinos, is crucial, especially in areas like voter rights, fair representation, and immigration. SB-17’s ramifications reach far beyond university campuses, endangering the generational well-being of communities that need it most.