While the Trump Administration slashes funding for Minority-Serving Institutions, Members of Congress recognize the importance of AANAPISIs in expanding access to higher education for all

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions (AANAPISI) Week, from September 27-October 3, 2026. This week honors the vital role of AANAPISIs in expanding access to quality higher education for AsianAmerican, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students.

"In Hawaii and nationwide, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions help students thrive in the classroom and prepare them for success after graduation. As the Trump regime continues its ideological attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions, supporting AANAPISIs and the communities they serve is critical," said Senator Hirono. "By establishing AANAPISI Week, this resolution celebrates diversity in education and recognizes these institutions and the services they provide."

"As a former community college professor, I've seen what happens when students get real support. They don't just graduate, they can transform their families and their communities for generations. AANAPISIs make that possible for students who need it the most, including first generation, and low-income students of color, by breaking down barriers and making sure all students have an equal shot at higher education," said Representative Chu, CAPAC Chair Emerita. "That's why the Trump administration's decision to terminate MSI funding, and now redirect $235 million of it to HBCUs and tribal colleges, is so disappointing. Every MSI deserves full investment, but pitting them against each other isn't the solution, it is a step backward. This AANAPISI Week, I remain committed to fighting for these institutions and for every student's right to the education they deserve."

Since its authorization under the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the AANAPISI program has provided grants to institutions serving AANHPI undergraduate students to help expand their capacity to serve all students. These institutions have played a crucial role in opening the door to higher education for minority students, especially those who are low-income or first-generation. Today, AANAPISIs enroll 46 percent of all AANHPI undergraduate students in the United States, and award over 50 percent of the associate degrees and nearly 45 percent of the bachelor's degrees attained by all AANHPI college students across the country.

This resolution comes days after the Trump Administration illegally diverted an additional $235 million in federal funding that Congress designated for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). Instead of increasing investment in all institutions that serve minority communities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), AANNAPISIs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions (ANNHSIs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), the Trump Administration has approached support for minority communities as a zero-sum game.

"During this AANAPISI Week, APAHE extends our deepest gratitude to CAPAC for their steadfast leadership in defending the federal AANAPISI designation amid ongoing efforts by the Department of Education to dismantle these critical programs. AANAPISIs are vital to educational equity and AA&NHPI student success, and we must aggressively defend this essential resource from being stripped away," said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, President, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE).

Senator Hirono has long advocated on behalf of AANHPI students in Hawaii, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. She has introduced this legislation every year since 2022, leading a bicameral coalition to designate Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving-Institutions Week. In April, she led a press conference calling out the Trump Administration's attacks on Minority-Serving Institutions following its redirection of $350 million in federal funding away from MSIs. In May, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Hirono marking May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. In February, Senator Hirono held a spotlight forum titled, "ED's Attacks on Minority Students: Defunding Programs, Limiting Opportunities," which highlighted the U.S. Department of Education's (ED) efforts to dismantle support for over 800 Minority-Serving Institutions, including AANAPISIs.

A companion resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Grace Meng (D-NY), and Mark Takano (D-CA).

The full resolution text is available HERE.

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