By Itzel Chavero
Hispanic Serving Institutions around the country face uncertainty after the Department of Justice refused to defend them from a lawsuit deeming the HSI program as “unconstitutional.”
The program that helps fund around 600 institutions in the nation was challenged by a lawsuit from the state of Tennessee and Students for Fair Admission, an organization that aims to end race-conscious admissions, declares the program discriminatory and alleges it’s against the constitution.
The DOJ’s recent move leaves HSI schools like Dominican at danger of losing federal funding used to support students with improved student support services and grants used to fund students’ aid.
Jacqueline Neri Arias, assistant vice president of Hispanic Serving and Culturally Sustaining Initiatives, says they are “closely following” the potential losses that could result if the program is shut down.
One of those possible losses, is the Title V of the Higher Education Act that refers to a federal grant program specifically designated to fund Hispanic Serving Institutions. The program enhances accessibility and learning opportunities to underserved students remains in jeopardy.
The HSI initiative designed to provide Hispanic students with an equal and successful opportunity in higher education could leave Hispanic students at disadvantage by taking away essential resources and leave some with financial stresses.
“I’m concerned about what this is doing to our communities,” she said. “Our mission remains steadfast, and we will continue to serve the students here at Dominican.”
Sophomore, Mia Soto, said one of the reasons she chose Dominican is because of the university’s identity and commitment to helping not only Hispanic students but all minority students.
“As a Latina, first-generation student it was important to me that the school I chose to attend to have the values and tools to support the success of Latinx students,” she said. “This is clearly another attack from this presidential administration to higher education, especially for minority students.”
As not only Dominican but many other HSI’s in the country are trying to actively follow and understand what can be lost. Dominican commits to highlight the value of their students by actively advocating for them.
Neri Arias said, Dominican’s President, Glena Temple and board members are aware about what is happening and will continue to work and invite Illinois legislators to Dominican for the benefit of their students.
“We want to make sure not only students but also their families keep trusting Dominican for their futures,” said Neri Arias.
