House approves bill for National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week; Senate approval pending

The Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) is proud to announce that today the U.S. House of Representatives approved a resolution for the observance of a National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Week. Senator Robert Menendez plans to introduce a similar resolution on Tuesday, September 15, in the U.S. Senate.

The House resolution, introduced by Congressman Raúl Grijalva, requests that the President issue a proclamation designating such a week. If passed, the resolution also calls on the people of the United States and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for HSIs.

“Hispanic-Serving Institutions serve more than half of Hispanic college-going students,” said Congressman Grijalva.  “Around the nation, these institutions serve the needs of this community and help to facilitate advanced educational training for this fastest growing group in our nation’s population.  It is appropriate that we should set aside a time of recognition to honor these institutions.”

If the resolution passes in the Senate, the week of September 20, 2009, will be recognized nationwide as Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.

“As Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated across the nation, recognizing the impact that Hispanic-Serving Institutions have made in higher education is deserving of national recognition,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio Flores.

“In honor of the many achievements and contributions made by our nation's HSIs, we hope that Congress will pass the resolution and support National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.”

Currently, the bill has the support of 13 Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, including:

Rep. Luján (NM)

Rep. Napolitano (CA)

Rep. Hinojosa (TX)

Rep. Gutierrez (IL)

Rep. Pierluisi (PR)

Rep. Rodriguez (TX)

Rep. Sires (NJ)

Rep. Ortiz (TX)

Rep. Reyes (TX)

Rep. Serrano (NY)

Rep. Gonzalez (TX)

Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA)

Rep. Baca (CA)

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