During this period. he was elected president of the Classroom Teachers Association where he led the battle to receive equal pay for teachers. Since moving to Monterey County. CA. In the early 1970s. Bill Melendez has been a leader In the movement for equal rights. As the director of migrant education. he worked as an effective advocate of bilingual and bicultural education. the advancement of educational opportunities for Chicano children. and for gender equality. As the local president of the League of United Latin American Citizens [LULAC]. Bill Melendez addressed civil liberties and human rights issues affecting all aspects of the 16th Congressional District.