Paul Ortiz is Professor of Labor History and Director of Graduate Studies for Latinx Studies at Cornell University, and previously was a professor of history at the University of Florida for 16 years. A third-generation U.S. military veteran (and a member of VFP), Paul was with the 82nd Airborne Division and 7th Special Forces Group in Central America, where he served in multiple combat zones. A first-generation college graduate whose achievements include a PhD in History, Paul’s pathway to academia included working as an organizer with the United Farm Workers, the Farm Labor Organizing Committee and many other unions and community organizations. An award-winning writer and scholar, Paul has authored or co-authored several books, including An African American and Latinx History of the United States. He is a recognized expert on labor, social movements, academic freedom and immigration among other topics.