Rep. Juan Vargas Slams Trump Administration Move to End Hispanic-Serving Institutions Grant Program

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) released the following statement condemning the Trump Administration’s announcement that it will no longer defend the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) grant program in court, effectively ending the program. 

“This is a disgusting decision by the Trump Administration. It’s an attack on Latino students, and it’s an attack on our colleges and universities. HSIs serve over five million students nationwide, including students right here in California’s 52nd District. Ending decades of federal support will take away educational opportunities, prevent critical research, and ultimately weaken our communities. I’ve always been proud to support HSIs and this misguided decision won’t change that. I’ll keep fighting to make sure HSIs have the resources they need to uplift all students.”

HSIs are colleges and universities with 25 percent or higher total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time students. There are over 600 HSIs, which enroll over two-thirds of the nation’s Latino undergraduate students and 37 percent of total Pell Grant recipients. California is home to 171 HSIs, including Southwestern College in CA-52. 

Rep. Vargas leads an annual funding request in Congress to support HSIs nationwide.

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