Senator Mazie K. Hirono held a forum in Washington, D.C., focused on the U.S. Department of Education’s recent decisions affecting Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The event, titled “ED’s Attacks on Minority Students: Defunding Programs, Limiting Opportunities,” examined how federal funding cuts could impact over 800 MSIs that serve more than five million students across the country.
Since the start of the Trump administration, programs supporting low-income students, students of color, and first-generation college attendees have faced reductions. In September, the Department of Education announced that $350 million in federal funding would be redirected from MSIs to other initiatives. Later in December, officials said they would begin winding down MSI programs.
“From threatening to withhold funding and rescinding grants, to threatening to wind down entire programs altogether, Trump and his regime have been carrying out a coordinated attack on education since Day One, and have targeted any and all programs that promote diversity, equity, or inclusion,” said Senator Hirono. “Under the false pretense of addressing ‘discrimination,’ this administration is further limiting access to higher education for underserved and underrepresented groups by targeting funding already appropriated by Congress. All students, regardless of their background, deserve access to the quality education that will set them up for success, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues to combat this regime’s attacks on students and our communities.”
The forum highlighted testimony from several educational leaders including John D. Keenan of Salem State University; Jo Ann Paanio from the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans; Dr. Rowena Tomaneng representing Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education; Dr. Mike Hoa Nguyen from UCLA; Julian Holland from the National Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions; as well as remarks from student representatives.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen also participated in the discussion. “I’ve seen firsthand how federal programs like TRIO empower students—particularly those who would not otherwise have been able to graduate high school, get into college and build a better future,” said Senator Shaheen. “The Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle longstanding programs and restrict funding for higher education are dangerous and will hinder innovation, raise barriers to education access and harm students’ chances to succeed across our country.”
John D. Keenan emphasized broader benefits: “Hispanic-Serving Institutions expand opportunity not only for Hispanic students but for entire campus communities and regional economies… Supporting HSIs is an investment in social mobility, economic growth, and the future competitiveness of our nation.”
Jo Ann Paanio stated: “AANAPISIs are integral to the backbone of the higher education system ensuring that first generation, immigrant, and multilingual students from AAPI families with low income have the opportunity to succeed and thrive no matter where they’re from or what their zip code might be… Investing in AANAPISIs means investing into the next generation of young leaders and changemakers.”
Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng added: “Defunding AANAPISIs does not simply reduce federal spending—it dismantles proven infrastructures that advance retention, completion, and workforce preparation… Their loss will reverse hard-won gains, widen disparities, and weaken institutions that serve as gateways to opportunity.”
Dr. Mike Hoa Nguyen remarked: “Minority-Serving Institutions are the backbone of American higher education and engines of economic opportunity… Empirical research demonstrates that investing in MSIs yields exponential returns…”
Julian Holland described PBIs’ role: “Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) are more than just schools with high Black enrollment; they are legally distinct from Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well… PBIs stand steadfast in our commitment to serving all our students yet discontinuation of grants impacts resources… We implore all that value accessible and affordable education to boldly support funding for these essential programs.”
Senator Hirono represents Hawaii as its first female senator as well as its first Asian American woman senator according to her official website. She focuses on supporting veterans, servicemembers, immigrants—including those she assists with matters such as Social Security claims or immigration petitions—and minority communities through her committee work as detailed online. Hirono immigrated from Japan as a child before earning degrees at University of Hawaii at Manoa (Phi Beta Kappa) and Georgetown University Law Center according to her biography.
Photos from the event can be found here.
