Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on September 8, 2025, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week".

Bill Number

H.Res. 969

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-19: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-04-06T20:24:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 969) aims to recognize the vital role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)—colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment—in promoting education, economic mobility, and community development for underserved students, particularly Hispanics and low-income groups. It supports designating the week of September 8, 2025, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" during Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight their contributions.

Key Provisions

• Background Facts (Whereas Clauses):
• Defines HSIs and notes their role in educating over 5.6 million students across 615 institutions in 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
• Highlights that HSIs enroll 31.7% of all U.S. undergraduates and 66.2% of Hispanic undergraduates, despite representing only 20% of higher education institutions.
• Emphasizes their impact on economic prosperity, social mobility (e.g., 8 of the top 10 socially mobile institutions are HSIs), STEM participation, and community empowerment.
• Mentions 425 "Emerging HSIs" (institutions with 15-24.9% Hispanic enrollment) in 43 states and the District of Columbia.
• Actions (Resolved Section):
• Recognizes the achievements and goals of HSIs nationwide.
• Expresses formal support for the designated week.
• Encourages the public, communities, and organizations to participate in ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor HSIs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May prompt the Department of Education or related agencies to promote awareness of HSIs through outreach or funding highlights, but no direct mandates.
• On Citizens: Increases visibility for HSIs, potentially boosting enrollment, donations, and support for Hispanic and low-income students pursuing higher education, fostering greater access to opportunities in STEM and economic advancement.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to diversity in education, which could indirectly enhance cultural ties with Hispanic communities abroad (e.g., in Latin America).
• Overall, the resolution could inspire voluntary initiatives by schools and communities to celebrate and strengthen HSIs, contributing to broader educational equity.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Educators: Direct recognition elevates their profile and may encourage partnerships or resources.
• Students, Especially Hispanic and Low-Income Groups: Benefits through heightened awareness of educational pathways and support for underserved populations.
• Communities and Organizations: Local areas near HSIs gain from emphasized community involvement; advocacy groups for Hispanic rights and education (e.g., those tied to Hispanic Heritage Month) are encouraged to participate.
• Broader Public and Policymakers: Promotes national appreciation of diversity in higher education, with bipartisan cosponsorship (over 50 representatives) signaling cross-party interest.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: None, as resolutions like this are advisory and do not create enforceable rights or obligations; they align with congressional powers under Article I to express policy views.
• Constitutional: Supports First Amendment values by encouraging free expression and celebration of cultural contributions without infringing on rights.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity on education and diversity issues, potentially influencing future funding or policy discussions for HSIs (e.g., via the Higher Education Act). It reinforces themes of inclusivity during Hispanic Heritage Month, avoiding controversy by focusing on positive recognition rather than mandates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20]

Cosponsors (53)

Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Aguilar, Pete [D-CA-33], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35] and 3 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-19: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-12-19: Submitted in House
• 2025-12-19: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on September 8, 2025, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week". — issued 2025-12-19 — PDF (3 pages)