By Zack Prelutsky | Arizona's Family
The Department of Justice says it will not defend the Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant program that’s currently being challenged in court.
The program gives out hundreds of millions of dollars to colleges and universities with at least 25% full-time Hispanic students. Several colleges and universities in Arizona qualify, such as the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University.
“I feel a lot of pride, you know, being able to step into spaces that other people in my family haven’t been able to,” said University of Arizona senior Vannessa Cardenas.
Cardenas is a first-generation college student studying medicine, intending to get a doctorate in occupational therapy.
“Just being able to show the younger generations as well that it’s possible,” she said.
U of A is one of 20 campuses across Arizona that qualify as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, according to the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities, as of 2023-24.
“This program is really just to ensure that colleges and universities that serve this fast-growing Latino population can have the highest graduation rate possible. That’s the whole point, and that’s critically important to the American economy,” said Rep. Greg Stanton.
Stanton is a Democrat representing Arizona’s Fourth District, which covers Arizona State University.
“What sort of programs or services would be impacted that these colleges and universities are able to give if they don’t have this money?” asked Arizona’s Family Reporter Zach Prelutsky.
“Well, let me give you an example. This money would support STEM education, students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, math. Exactly the kind of degrees that we need to support our fast-growing economy,” said Stanton.
The state of Tennessee and Students for Fair Admissions sued the Department of Education in June, arguing the grant program is unconstitutional.
The AP is reporting that on Aug. 22, the Justice Department released a letter in which Solicitor General John Sauer notified Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson that the department “has decided not to defend” the program, saying the program provides an unconstitutional advantage based on race or ethnicity.
“It’s important to note that the money doesn’t go just to Latino students. It goes to all of the student body can benefit from it. But because they serve such a high percentage of Latino students, it really does uplift the Latino community here in Arizona and around the country,” said Stanton.
In a statement, an ASU spokesperson tells Arizona’s Family, “While the federal government determines how to proceed, we will continue to advance serving every learner ready to learn from any family.”