Defending the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program
Support Hispanic-Serving Institutions By Sharing Your Story
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Overview
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), LatinoJustice PRLDEF have joined together to intervene in a federal lawsuit that seeks to dismantle the HSI program. This program is vital in supporting colleges and universities that enroll large numbers of Latino students. It is both legal and fair, and falls well within established laws that recognize and address racial disparities in education.
Motion to Intervene
HACU and LatinoJustice PRLDEF have filed a motion to intervene in Tennessee/Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. U.S. Department of Education, pending in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
- LatinoJustice is intervening on behalf of HACU and affected students.
- If granted by the court, HACU and LatinoJustice will present legal arguments to demonstrate that the HSI program is lawful, essential, and equitable.
- This intervention ensures that the voices of students and institutions directly impacted by the lawsuit are represented in court.
- HACU represents 615 HSIs and 5.6 million students nationwide.
HSI Advocates
Read letters, statements, and press releases from HSI Advocates
Why It Matters
Eliminating the HSI program would have devastating consequences:
- It would disproportionately harm Latino students and communities.
- It is a direct attempt to erase policies designed to address racial disparities in education.
- It threatens vital resources not only for HSIs but also for other programs that serve historically underrepresented students.
- The lawsuit mischaracterizes the HSI program as “preferential,” when in reality it ensures equitable allocation of federal resources.
Key Facts
Legal Foundation: The HSI program is grounded in law and history
- The program supports institutions already serving high percentages of Latino students.
- The 25% benchmark is used solely to allocate support—not to exclude or prefer individual applicants.
- Congress, not federal agencies, created the HSI program, making claims of “agency overreach” baseless.
- The HSI designation is race-conscious but not race-exclusive.
- Courts have long affirmed that Congress may address inequality while acknowledging racial disparities (Parents Involved v. Seattle Sch. Dist. No. 1, 551 U.S. 701 (2007), Kennedy, J., concurring).
- The Constitution allows government to recognize and act to close educational opportunity gaps.
Our Commitment
HACU remains committed to defending the HSI program. We will continue to advocate for equitable access to higher education and ensure that all students benefit from the resources they need to succeed.
HSI Advocates
Joaquin Castro
Congressman
Alex Padilla
Senator
Greg Stanton
Congressman
Mike Levin
Congressman
Dina Titus
Congresswoman
Adriano Espailla
Representative
Grace Meng
Representative
Yvette Clarke
Representative
Share Your Story
The strength of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) comes from the students, families, and communities they serve. Every story matters.
If you are a student, alumnus, faculty member, or community partner, we want to hear how HSIs have made a difference in your life. Whether it’s mentorship, research opportunities, or simply finding a community that understands your journey, your voice helps show why the HSI program is essential.
Share Your Story
The strength of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) comes from the students, families, and communities they serve. Every story matters.
If you are a student, alumnus, faculty member, or community partner, we want to hear how HSIs have made a difference in your life. Whether it’s mentorship, research opportunities, or simply finding a community that understands your journey, your voice helps show why the HSI program is essential.
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Get in Touch
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact us or fill out the form.
For questions, contact:
WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE
- 202-833-8361
- dcgr@hacu.net
