FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2023

HACU Statement on Impending Government Shutdown

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) expresses concern over the looming government shutdown, impacting millions of Americans. The shutdown threatens the U.S. economy, endangers the livelihoods of countless federal employees, and jeopardizes numerous essential public services that Americans rely on daily. It will also affect college students serving at federal agencies nationwide, including those participating in the HACU National Internship Program.

“HACU urges Congress to act swiftly to ensure the government continues to operate. Over 572 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) supporting more than 5 million students will be critically hampered without this support. Ensuring federal funding for HSIs along with all the critical needs of our nation is a necessity for the health and welfare of our country," said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.

HACU calls on supporters of Hispanic higher education success to contact members of Congress and urge them to keep the government open and fund HSIs equitably by adopting these recommendations:

  • Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Title V, Part A): $300 million
  • Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (Title V, Part B): $100 million
  • National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) HSIs Education Grants Program: $50 million
  • Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program): $115 million

 Click here for information on contacting your respective member of Congress.

About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, D.C, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.

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The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). HACU programs and services are available to all students, faculty, and staff at HACU-member institutions. The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, California and Chicago, Illinois.

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