SAN ANTONIO — The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has officially called upon California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign Senate Bill 1255, a pivotal piece of legislation known as the Designation of California Hispanic-Serving Institutions Act. The bill, which successfully navigated the legislative process, was authored by Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, representing the 29th Senate District, and coauthored by Assemblymember Mike Fong of the 49th Assembly District.
If enacted, SB 1255 would establish a comprehensive state-level framework specifically for the designation of California Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), alongside a robust administrative framework designed for recognizing qualifying higher education institutions throughout the state. The push for the governor’s signature brings renewed attention to the vital role that these colleges and universities play in shaping the educational landscape of California, supporting diverse student populations, and driving economic mobility across communities.
A Statewide Framework for Recognition and Success
The legislation addresses a significant gap in state-level recognition for institutions that enroll and graduate high numbers of Hispanic and Latino students. By creating an official designation framework, SB 1255 aims to highlight the intentional efforts colleges and universities make to foster environments where students can thrive, rather than merely tracking enrollment metrics.
Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes emphasized the broader implications of the bill for California’s future workforce and educational systems.
"California’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions open doors of opportunity for hundreds of thousands of students and help build the educated, skilled workforce our state depends on," said Senator Reyes, a Democrat representing Colton. "SB 1255 gives California the opportunity to recognize these institutions not simply for who they enroll, but for their commitment to helping Latino students thrive, graduate and build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities."
Senator Reyes also expressed gratitude for the wide-ranging coalition that rallied behind the proposal during its journey through the state legislature. She noted that she looks forward to Governor Newsom signing the measure into law so that the state can continue fostering a higher education environment centered on universal student success.
HACU Advocates for Enactment
At the national and regional levels, leadership from HACU has been instrumental in championing the legislation. Antonio R. Flores, President and CEO of HACU, echoed the sentiments of the bill’s authors, underscoring the historic nature of the legislation for California’s higher education sector.
"HACU respectfully urges Governor Newsom to sign SB 1255 establishing California’s Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, a landmark moment for California’s HSIs," said Flores. "This bill recognizes the critical role these institutions play in educational attainment, economic mobility and development of the state’s future workforce."
Flores also issued a call to action for broader community involvement, encouraging all stakeholders invested in the state’s future economic prosperity to add their voices to the advocacy effort, ensuring that this crucial next step is successfully completed.
The Scale of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in California
California currently stands at the forefront of the national HSI movement. According to data compiled in HACU’s 2024–25 HSI report, the state is home to 179 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, representing the largest concentration of such schools in the nation.
The path toward SB 1255 began well before its introduction in the legislature. HACU, operating through its Western Regional Office located in Sacramento, initiated the development of the state designation framework by convening key higher education leaders, policymakers, and institutional stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensured that the proposed framework aligned closely with the operational realities and goals of California’s diverse higher education systems and individual institutions.
Reflecting on the collaborative spirit that brought the bill to the governor’s desk, Flores pointed out the cooperative nature of the achievement.
"This legislation demonstrates what is possible when California’s higher education community speaks collectively," Flores added. "Legislative passage represents an important collective milestone, but enactment requires the Governor’s signature."
Moving Beyond Designation Toward True "Servingness"
While the establishment of an official state designation is viewed as a monumental achievement, educational leaders stress that it represents only the beginning of a deeper, more transformative institutional commitment. The gubernatorial signing of SB 1255 is seen as the next stage in a broader, ongoing conversation regarding how effectively colleges and universities support student completion, transfer rates, and workforce preparation.
David A. Ortiz, HACU Executive Vice President for Programs and Operations, elaborated on this pedagogical and institutional philosophy.
"Designation is the starting point, with ‘servingness’ the destination, connecting HSIs more intentionally with student success, workforce development and the state’s long-term economic priorities," Ortiz said.
The concept of "servingness" moves past federal eligibility thresholds—which typically require a full-time equivalent undergraduate student enrollment of at least 25 percent Hispanic students—to examine how institutions actively adapt their cultures, curricula, support services, and community partnerships to ensure Latino and other historically underserved students succeed academically and professionally.
Looking Ahead to Implementation
Should Governor Newsom sign SB 1255 into law, HACU plans to maintain an active role in the state’s educational policy arena. The association has committed to working hand-in-hand with California’s higher education systems, individual institutions, and state policymakers to support thoughtful, effective implementation of the new framework.
This ongoing engagement will also encompass the broader dialogue surrounding student success metrics, comprehensive workforce preparation initiatives, and pathways to long-term economic mobility for students across the state. Through these concerted efforts, educational advocates hope to solidify California’s position as a national leader in equitable higher education.
About HACU
Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities represents more than 400 colleges and universities across the United States, Latin America, and Spain, as well as school districts throughout the U.S. The organization offers programs and services designed to benefit students, faculty, and staff at all HACU-member institutions. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, HACU also maintains regional and national offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California.
