The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it will end millions of dollars in funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), impacting at least 171 colleges and universities in California. These institutions, which have at least 25% Latino enrollment, will lose access to federal grants designed to support their students. California, with the highest number of HSIs in the nation, includes six University of California campuses and 21 California State University campuses among the affected schools.
The U.S. Department of Education’s decision will halt $350 million in discretionary grant funding for fiscal year 2025, affecting not only HSIs but also other minority-serving institutions. The department cited the use of racial quotas as unconstitutional, following a determination by the U.S. Solicitor General. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that the department aims to support institutions serving underprepared students without relying on racial quotas.
The decision is expected to have significant consequences for California’s higher education system. CSU Chancellor Mildred García expressed concern, stating that the loss of funding will harm students’ ability to succeed and achieve social mobility. The grants have been used to help students graduate faster, increase STEM enrollment, and train faculty in culturally responsive teaching methods.
The department plans to reallocate the funds to programs that align with administration priorities and do not include racial quotas. However, the decision has sparked criticism and is likely to face legal challenges. Deborah Santiago, CEO of Excelencia in Education, emphasized that the cuts will leave institutions without resources to support their high enrollment of needy students.
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