A new bill has been introduced in the California State Senate that seeks to establish a category to recognize colleges and universities that serve and provide support for black and African American students. The proposed legislation, State Senate Bill 1348, was brought forth by Sen. Steven Bradford and would create criteria for institutions to receive a “Black-Serving Institution” designation, including setting enrollment thresholds for such students, requiring African American studies programs, and offering black student success programs and support services.
The bill has already made significant progress through the legislative process, passing both the Senate Education and Appropriations committees unanimously before moving to the Senate floor, where it was passed on May 23rd. It is now awaiting assignment to a committee in the California State Assembly for hearing.
The proposed designation would apply to both public and private colleges and universities within the state of California. Sen. Bradford has stated that the bill aims to recognize historical barriers and discrimination faced by black students in accessing higher education, as well as the vital role played by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in combating such discrimination.
According to Sen. Bradford’s statement from April, the designation will “focus attention on the disparities that exist for black students in higher education” and encourage institutions to take similar steps to improve overall outcomes. The bill has received support from various organizations, including the California Federation of Teachers, California State University, Office of the Chancellor, California State University, Sacramento, Campaign for College Opportunity, and the University of California.
Dr. Thomas A. Parham, President of California State University, Dominguez Hills, also expressed his support for the bill in a statement, explaining that such a designation would reflect his university’s dedication to supporting black students through its curricula, staff, and student body composition. In his view, the “Black-Serving Institution of Higher Education” designation would help advance critical support networks for black students, highlighted by their African-centered curriculum, faculty composition in African American studies and other academic departments, campus services, and programs.
As of May 20th, no recorded opposition to the bill has been documented. Once assigned a committee within the California State Assembly, it will undergo further evaluation before potentially being passed into law.