Congressman Gonzales says the cuts would undermine the workforce and ability to do high-level research.
TEXAS, USA — U.S. Congressman Tony Gonzales is pushing back against the Department of Education to protect funding for Hispanic Serving Universities.
The Department of Education announced in September it would cut grants to minority serving institutions. For Hispanic Serving Institutions, that would be roughly $350 million.
Congressman Tony Gonzales says the cuts would undermine the workforce and ability to do high-level research.
These grants fund much-needed programs like stem, teaching, advanced manufacturing, and now ai. With the cuts, congressman Gonzales says it’s taking away opportunities for Hispanic students to succeed.
In an effort to build the next generation, Gonzales wrote: “These students’ eligibility for grants is a by-product of their mission, not a pursuit of quotas.”
The University of Texas at San Antonio, St. Mary’s University and Alamo Colleges issued written statements about Gonzales’ effort.
Dr. Taylor Eighmy, president at UTSA, says he’s grateful for Gonzales work to get the grants reinstated. He said the grants enhance internships, experiential learning and career readiness programs for more than 42,000 students.
Dr. Winston Erevelles at St. Mary’s University said their loss of funding from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education hinders their ability to support our workforce.
Dr. Mike Flores with Alamo Colleges said the grants help them grow their stem programs, enhance student support and stay competitive in a global market.
Other members in the Republican Congressional Hispanic Conference signed the letter with Gonzales.