Senators Menendez and Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Honor Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Washington - As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize the 268 non-profit Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) throughout our nation for their work, achievements, and critical role in educating and empowering Hispanic youth. HSIs play a unique role in communities in the U.S., and National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week provides an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.This resolution specifically calls for the designation of the week of September 19 - 25, 2010 as National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week and calls for its observation through private activities and programs to demonstrate support for these institutions. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) are defined as colleges, universities, or systems/districts where total Hispanic enrollment constitutes a minimum of 25% of the total enrollment.

"As someone who graduated from a Hispanic Serving-Institution, I know first-hand how important these institutions are in preparing the next generation of Latino leaders for success," Said Senator Menendez. "In fact there are 5 Hispanic Serving Institutions alone in my home state of New Jersey. As the lone Hispanic Senator and Chair of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force, I am proud to introduce this resolution recognizing these institutions for the important work they do on behalf of Latino students."

"Hispanic Serving Institutions play a vital role not only in education but in the economic vitality of our entire nation. The contributions HSIs make to our communities and our nation are worthy of praise and deserve to be honored. As we begin the month-long celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I am pleased to recognize our Hispanic Serving Institutions and the vital role they play in helping to increase the enrollment of Hispanic students in higher education, expanding opportunity and improving our nation," said Sen. Cornyn.

President Barack Obama has issued a Proclamation designating the week of September 19- 25, 2010 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Week and the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced and passed its version of a resolution to commemorate this week. To read the full resolution, click here: http://menendez.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/HSIResolution2010.pdf

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