July 3, 2024 — The Hispanic Issues Section (HIS) of the State Bar of Texas named Judge Lupe Salinas (J.D. ‘72) the 2024 recipient of the Professor Michael Olivas Education Excellence Award.
Salinas, a University of Houston Law Center alumnus, was honored for his dedication to the Hispanic community, highlighted by his co-founding of the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston and his tenure as a professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. His contributions also include serving as a member of the Latino civil rights organization MALDEF and authoring the book “U.S. Latinos and Criminal Injustice.”
From 1989 to 1996, Salinas presided on the bench in Harris County’s 351st Criminal District Court.
The HIS annually celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the Hispanic community. The Professor Michael Olivas Education Excellence Award is bestowed upon those who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in Hispanic or Latinx education, scholarship, or civil rights. This distinction marks the second time the award has been given, following its initial posthumous presentation to University of Houston Law Center Professor Michael Olivas.
Salinas received recognition during the Hispanic Issues Section reception at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting on June 20 in Dallas.
“Upon getting to know Professor Olivas, I realized this man was a genuine leader of men and women. He opened doors to assist those who desired to help others. He personally motivated me to conduct scholarly research, advice that inspired me to question the propriety of the death penalty in America. Justice John Paul Stevens thereafter cited my article in his concurring opinion and urged the Court to review the merits of the death penalty,” said Salinas.