February 7, 2025

HACU renews call for Congressional action

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities held a webinar on January 30, 2025, for its member institutions on the recension of the federal funding freeze and the potential obstacles to future funding. During the webinar, HACU issued a Call to Action to press Congress to ensure that there are no further disruptions to the funding and support so many depend on for essential services that feed, house and educate Americans. The discussion covered the original memo freezing spending on federal loans and grants, the rescinding of the memo less than two days later, and the implications of an attempt by the Trump Administration to enact a similar freeze in the future.

“We need to engage members of Congress that counteract Executive Orders detrimental to the nation,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. Immediate Past-Chair of HACU’s Governing Board and Alamo Colleges District Chancellor Mike Flores offered insight in engaging with elected officials with, “It’s important that with anything we do, we give a lens or insight to any elected official, whether that’s a mayor, city council member, or county judge. Members of Congress are particularly important. If you haven’t done it already, you should start that relationship now, because it’s always good to come to them during a time of partnership rather than during a time of crisis.” HACU Executive Vice President for Policy and Government Relations Lena Rodriguez noted that, “Right now, advocacy is more important than ever. When we advocate, we empower our communities, and we influence policy change. This time it’s critical to have a sense of unity to make sure we’re elevating our voices as a whole. There’s power in numbers.”

In order to protect federal funding for America’s colleges and universities HACU launched a Call to Action available on the Association’s website for members, supporters and allies to contact members of Congress directly urging them to protect the support necessary to ensure our nation’s global standing as a leader in technology and innovation. Action by both the House and Senate is preferable to the legal action taken by nonprofit organizations and 22 state attorney generals, who were responsible for restoring funding through the courts.

Click here to send a letter to your Member of Congress.