Rep. Panetta Urges Administration to Reverse Cuts to Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Monterey, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) joined 80 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon opposing the Administration's decision to rescind federal resources from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and divert them to other programs.

The Administration's decision to rescind funding threatens programs that provide critical support to students at the University of California, Santa Cruz, California State University, Monterey Bay, Monterey Peninsula College, and Cabrillo College. Since 2015, Hispanic-Serving Institution grants have supported services to over 13,000 students in California's 19th Congressional District.

The letter underscores how MSIs, including HSIs, educate millions of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students across the country. The lawmakers warn that cutting resources to HSIs would disproportionately harm students who rely on these schools for affordable, high-quality higher education.

"In the 19th Congressional District, Hispanic-Serving Institutions like UC Santa Cruz, CSU Monterey Bay, Monterey Peninsula College, and Cabrillo College play a critical role in increasing access to opportunity for students across our community," said Congressman Panetta. "This letter demonstrates the importance of HSIs to our progress as a nation. That is one of the many reasons why we will continue to push back against these cuts and demand sustained federal investment in these types of colleges that are beneficial for our communities and our country."

On September 10, the Administration announced that it would rescind and reprogram funding for Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Title V Part A) and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (Title V Part B) grants. These programs provide federally recognized HSIs with resources to expand academic offerings, strengthen student support, and improve degree completion. The HSI designation means that at least 25 percent of undergraduates at a given institution are Hispanic or Latino.

The letter text can be read here.

###