HJHP Volume 34 Released

Editor’s Note

It is with great humility that I present Volume 34 of the Harvard Kennedy School Journal of Hispanic Policy. This year’s volume marks a year of transition for so many, with Harvard students, faculty, and staff having made their way back to in-person classes after a year of virtual studies and leaves of absence. While we are grateful for a return to some semblance of normalcy, we are also cognizant of the sacrifices and great loss faced by our communities over the last two years. According to the Pew Research Center, about half of U.S. Latinos say they or someone close to them faced health or financial hardship during the pandemic, yet most remain optimistic about their futures. We know hope in the midst of adversity is part of the fabric of our community; it is what has allowed us to reach our present and is certainly what will shepherd us into our future.

We dedicate this year’s annual publication to the resilience shown by the U.S. Latinx community throughout the pandemic. In assembling this year’s volume, our goal was to both acknowledge the pain and loss incurred over the last few years while also demonstrating the strength that will push generations forward. Learning and growing from the experience of the living through the pandemic will require public servants to think critically about what policies to reform, who to engage, and where we should refocus our resources. Such a task will require remarkable ingenuity and a careful consideration of those commonly left out of the conversation.

Through articles, commentary, and artwork showcased in Volume 34, this year’s contributors bring to light longstanding and emerging policy issues in the United States. From analyzing the proliferation of technologies used at the U.S. border to exploring hunger issues in the U.S. Latino population, the curation of knowledge and opinions in Volume 34 will certainly advance the effort to rebuilding and strengthening our communities. Of course, this year’s volume would not be possible without the countless hours of labor by our journal staff. Their passion for and commitment to amplifying the voices of Latinx leaders is truly admirable.

I also want to express my gratitude to Professor Nancy Gibbs and Assistant Director of Student Services Martha Foley, who offered words of encouragement and guidance during a unique and challenging year for student journals. Their guidance has in part contributed to the journal making its permanent transition to an all-digital format. This transition will offer a more strategic pathway for reaching targeted audiences and ensure the success of the journal in the digital era. Many thanks to our executive advisory board for sharing invaluable institutional knowledge and words of wisdom. We appreciate all that you have contributed to promoting the success and sustainability of the Journal of Hispanic Policy, and we look forward to working with you to advance the journal to its next chapter.

Sincerely,

Thomas Franco

Editor-in-Chief, 2021-2022

Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy