Proclamation 9527-National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2016
Issued 2016-10-21 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 October 23-29, 2016, as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. This is a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to historically black colleges and universities and their role in American education and society. The proclamation calls upon educators, public officials, professional organizations, corporations, and all Americans to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
The proclamation recognizes that HBCUs were founded after the Civil War to expand access to higher education and notes that their graduates have included leaders in many fields. It also references an earlier Executive Order that strengthened the White House Initiative on HBCUs, helping ensure these institutions can benefit from a fuller range of federal programs and assistance. Additionally, the proclamation mentions the Obama Administration's broader efforts to expand access to higher education, including increases to Pell Grants, student loan assistance, and a proposal called America's College Promise that would help provide two years of free or reduced-tuition college.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that does not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations. Presidents have issued such proclamations since George Washington to express national sentiment and draw public awareness to particular causes or communities.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9527-National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to historically black colleges and universities. 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, 2016 Proclamation 9527—National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2016 October 21, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are living monuments to the cause that has driven each generation of our citizens in the task of perfecting our Union—helping ensure that all people can experience the fullest measure of equality, justice, and possibility. Embodying the notion that the ability to pursue a higher education should be an opportunity available to all, rather than a privilege for a few, these campuses were built from a determination to widely and profoundly expand the reach of our country's promise. During National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we celebrate this aspiration and reaffirm our support for HBCUs. Rendered possible by the extraordinary sacrifices and commitment of women and men who resolved to make real and enduring the new birth of freedom that echoed across our country following the end of the Civil War, the rise of these proud institutions marked the beginning of a new chapter in our national narrative. With each generation, HBCUs have shaped America for the better in indelible