The Clinton adminstration is touting a new Hispanic Initiative that
targets both students and colleges, and may leave some tough decisions
for congressional leaders and educators of color.
The February 2 plan rekindles a debate about the appropriate way
the federal government should fund Hispanic-serving institutions
(HSIs). HSI leaders call such aid essential, while African American
leaders wonder whether the plan will undercut Black colleges receiving
aid under Title III of the Higher Education Act (HEA).
Another part of the new Clinton initiative would broaden Hispanic
access to TRIO programs that offer early intervention access, and
retention services. Hispanics are under-represented in TRIO, plan
supporters say. But TRIO officials believe it could change the
program’s structure from one based on income and class to one based on
race.
“I hope we can get together and show a united front between
Hispanics and African Americans,” said Dr. Henry Ponder, president of
the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
(NAFEO). “Both [minority groups] have had hard times.”
Ponder acknowledged, however, that a gulf remains — one that finds
African American leaders making a complex argument against new federal
race-based funding.
The president’s new Title III budget calls for HSIs to receive $28
million next year, more than double their current $12 million
appropriation. Under the same plan, HBCUs also would get a $16 million
increase beyond their higher funding base, which is $118 million this
year.
Unlike most issues in Washington, D.C., however, the debate is not
simply about money. HSIs want Congress to create a new section of Title
III specifically for their institutions as a way to raise visibility
and attention to a fast-growing sector of higher education.
