‘A disgusting decision’: Educators, lawmakers respond to challenges facing Hispanic-Serving Institutions
CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI) — Local representatives, business leaders and educators held a press conference on Thursday stressing the importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) following an announcement that the Trump administration will no longer defend the program.
Organized by the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA), the press conference was held at Southwestern College. The SDICCA represents more than 200,000 students across six community college districts including: Southwestern, San Diego, Grossmont-Cuyamaca, Palomar, MiraCosta and Imperial Valley.
“HSI funding strengthens the programs that prepare our essential workforce,” Southwestern College and SDICCCA President Mark Sanchez said. “Weakening this support undermines California’s safety, competitiveness, and prosperity.”
An HSI is a college where 25% of its enrollment consists of full-time undergraduate Latino students, according to the University of California San Diego. Once a university meets that requirement, they become eligible for grants to encourage higher enrollment of Latino students.
The Trump administration announced on Friday that the Justice Department will no longer support the program in an ongoing legal battle, arguing it is unconstitutional, according to the Associated Press.
At least $15 million is sent to the SDICCA member colleges, according to the association. The SDICCA stated that if these funds were cut, STEM labs, advising programs, tutoring and other critical services could be at risk.
Geysil Arroyo, San Diego Community College board of trustees president, said her experience is like many in San Diego. She split her time growing up in Tijuanna and San Diego, spoke two languages and experienced “two cultures.”
She shared in college she “found the opportunity and support” that she needed to succeed.
SDICCA leadership said that HSI grants benefit every student, not only Latino students. Currently, Latino students comprise of approximately 33% of college enrollment in the U.S.
“Defending Hispanic-Serving Institutions is defending opportunity, equity, and the future of California’s workforce,” Assemblymember David Alvarez said at the press conference.
Taylor Dunn, director of talent initiatives at the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, shared his perspective at the meeting.
“While Hispanic/Latine students make up a large share of our K–12 pipeline, they are underrepresented in today’s innovation workforce, and too many graduates are not yet college-ready—leaving real jobs unfilled and real opportunity on the table,” Dunn said.
Outside of the press conference, local legislators have responded to the rollback on HSI grants. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52), who represents San Diego and surrounding areas, shared a statement condemning the decision.
“This is a disgusting decision by the Trump Administration,” Vargas said in a news release. “It’s an attack on Latino students, and it’s an attack on our colleges and universities.”
During the press conference, a San Diego State University and former Cuyamaca College student shared how HSI served students like him.
“What I soon discovered was a true community,” Manuel Juarez Lopez said. “I can say first-hand that the strength of Hispanic Serving Institutions of higher education, creates meaningful pathways for students like me and others to succeed.”
