FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2026
SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) applauds the signing of Senate Bill 1255 by Governor Gavin Newsom, a historic milestone for California’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the students and communities they serve.
“This is a historic moment for California’s HSIs and a testament to what can be accomplished through partnership and collective advocacy,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “We commend Governor Newsom, Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, California’s higher education leaders, and the institutions, faculty, students and advocates whose leadership helped make this achievement possible.”
HACU advanced a state-level HSI designation framework informed by the perspectives, research and expertise of stakeholders, and how effectively institutions support student completion, economic mobility and workforce outcomes. The law creates a framework through which California connects institutional recognition with state priorities centered on student success, workforce preparation, economic mobility and the state’s long-term prosperity.
“This victory belongs to the students who showed up, spoke out and fought for the future they deserve,” said Senator Reyes. “At a time of tremendous uncertainty for higher education and for Latino students across this country, California is making our priorities clear: we believe in our students, we value their potential, and we will invest in institutions committed to helping them succeed. I am incredibly proud of the students and advocates who carried this effort forward, and grateful to Governor Newsom for signing SB 1255 into law.”
Hispanic-Serving Institutions educate approximately six million students at 645 colleges and universities nationwide, with California home to 179 HSIs, the largest concentration in the nation. HACU will continue working in partnership with the Governor’s administration, the California State University as the program’s managing entity, and HSI stakeholders statewide to support the successful implementation of SB 1255, along with advancing a shared understanding of what it means to effectively serve students.
About HACU
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 400 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. 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 offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.
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