Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) is an organization that protects and promotes the basic rights of Hispanic Americans. It also seeks to ensure that the Hispanic American population is prepared to contribute productively to society. The fund’s efforts have addressed such issues as bilingual education, racial discrimination, immigration legislation, segregated schooling, and voting rights. MALDEF is also active in the fields of employment, politics, and access to public resources. It primarily uses educational projects, legal action, and public information campaigns to meet its goals.
MALDEF was founded in 1968. A nonprofit organization, it receives financial support from foundations, individuals, and corporations. The organization has its headquarters in Los Angeles, with regional offices in Chicago, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. In addition, MALDEF operates associated programs in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, and Sacramento.
