The following is a statement from Association of American Universities President Barbara R. Snyder on the United States Department of Education’s September 10 announcement that it is terminating funding for grant programs for Minority-Serving Institutions:
The administration's decision to terminate funding that Congress has already allocated for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) will have negative effects on millions of students as well as institutions that help make our country strong and competitive through education and research. MSI funding has always enjoyed bipartisan support because these universities perform important work that benefits all Americans. AAU has 14 members that qualify as MSIs, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). These institutions produce extraordinary research and students prepared to tackle society’s toughest challenges, supported in part by the very MSI funding the administration plans to cut. This funding has been pivotal in building laboratories that strengthen education and research in STEM and health sciences; this funding has also contributed to increasing graduation rates by providing crucial educational supports, ultimately strengthening America’s economy and workforce.
While we were recently heartened by Congress’ decision to provide level or slight increases in MSI funding for the upcoming fiscal year, the continued volatility in administrative decision-making regarding funding makes it challenging for our institutions to serve the students they have today and those they will have tomorrow. The Department of Education’s sudden elimination of MSI status and all corresponding agency programming is disrupting the education of countless students.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 71 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.
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