Us Congress House Bill HR736

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/28/23
• Refer: 9/28/23

Caption

Expressing support for the recognition of September 25, 2023, to October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the unique position of AANAPISIs, which represent only 6.5 percent of all higher education institutions yet enroll about 46 percent of these student populations in the United States. By encouraging these institutions to secure funding and develop programs to better serve their students' needs, the resolution aims to enhance educational outcomes and cultural relevance in academic programming. This recognition may lead to further initiatives and support at various levels of government and educational institutions, influencing policies surrounding minority education and funding.

Summary

House Resolution 736 expresses support for recognizing September 25, 2023, to October 1, 2023, as 'Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week.' The resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs) in providing quality educational opportunities. These institutions play a crucial role in the academic success of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students, who often come from low-income families and are first-generation college attendees. Moreover, the resolution celebrates the 16th anniversary of the establishment of AANAPISIs by Congress.

Contention

While the resolution serves to uplift AANAPISIs, possible contention might arise in the context of prioritizing funding and resources among diverse educational institutions. Supporters of the resolution will contend that focusing on AANAPISIs is vital for equity and representation in education, while critics may argue that it should not overshadow the needs of other minority-serving institutions. Nevertheless, this resolution seeks to foster respect and recognition for these institutions' essential roles in preserving and promoting the cultural history and educational success of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.