Proclamation 9320-National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2015
Issued 2015-09-11 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation designating September 14-20, 2015 as National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week. A proclamation is a ceremonial statement that brings national attention to a cause or community—it doesn't create new laws or impose legal requirements on anyone. This particular proclamation recognizes colleges and universities called Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which serve more than half of the nation's undergraduate Hispanic students and help provide college access especially to low- and middle-income students.
The proclamation notes that about one-quarter of public school students are Hispanic, but less than one-fifth of Hispanics hold college degrees. It highlights that the Obama Administration pledged $1 billion in funding over a decade to support HSIs and announced a plan to make community college free for responsible students. The proclamation states that HSIs help address educational disparities and contribute to ensuring more Americans can get a college education, which is described as important for accessing middle-class opportunities in an economy where knowledge is valuable.
This action affects the general public by calling on officials, educators, and all Americans to observe the week with appropriate programs and ceremonies acknowledging these institutions. As a ceremonial proclamation, it expresses presidential sentiment and draws public awareness rather than directing specific policy changes or spending.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9320-National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to hispanic heritage. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9320—National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2015 September 11, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our higher education system is one of the crown jewels of our Nation, and investing in it is a hallmark of America. In an economy where knowledge is the most valuable asset, the best way to get ahead and ensure mobility to the middle class is to earn a college degree. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) help make the promise a college education provides a reality for many Hispanic students across our country, enabling them to secure a better future for themselves and their families. This week, let us recognize the tremendous impact these institutions have and rededicate ourselves to continuing our support of their valuable work. An education can broaden horizons and empower us to be better people and better citizens, and no one should be left out of that opportunity. Roughly one-quarter of students in our Nation's public schools today are Hispanic, yet less than one-fifth of Hispanics in the United States have a college degree. HSIs help address this disparity, moving us closer to the day when we have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. HSIs serve more than h