September 19, 2018

Senate Adopts Menendez Resolution Honoring Hispanic-Serving Institutions

The following press release was released by U.S. Senator Bob Menendez's office on September 19, 2018. Click here for official news release. Click here for official resolution.

As our nation begins its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced a Senate resolution recognizing the work, goals, and achievements of over 490 non-profit Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) throughout our nation by designating the week of September 17-23 as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." S.Res.639 recognizes the achievements and goals of the 492 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) in the United States, was adopted unanimously by the full Senate on September 18, 2018.

"Having the first-hand experience of studying in a New Jersey Hispanic-Serving Institution, it fills me with pride to reintroduce this resolution to continue recognizing the critical work these institutions do for our nation’s diverse student bodies and for the Latino community in general," said Sen. Menendez. "The Hispanic community depends on education to move up the social ladder, therefore, the future economic success of this country depends on a well-educated Hispanic workforce. In a time when Latinos and immigrants are targeted by the Trump Administration, our youth needs to keep attaining the tools they need to lead this nation to a brighter future."

"The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) applauds Senator Menendez’s leadership on the Senate Resolution designating September 17 - 23, 2018 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. We also commend all the Senators who co-sponsored the resolution and supported its adoption," said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. "The 492 HSIs in the United States and Puerto Rico not only enroll 65% of all Hispanics, they also enroll 21% of all African Americans, 39% of all Asian Americans and 18% of all Native Americans, making them the most diverse cohort of higher education institutions, and a true reflection of the diversity of our nation."

Defined as degree-granting institutions where total Hispanic enrollment constitutes of no less than 25% of the total enrollment, HSIs play a critical role in educating Hispanic youth and improving the communities in which they are located. HSIs are located in 21 states and Puerto Rico with emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions located in 33 States and the District of Columbia. New Jersey is home to 16 HSI’s.

Joining Sen. Menendez in cosponsoring this resolution were Senators: John Cornyn (R-Texas), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Patty Murray (D- Wash.), Bill Nelson (D- Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.).