Proclamation 9326-National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2015
Issued 2015-09-18 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 to designate September 20-26, 2015 as National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. The proclamation calls on educators, public officials, organizations, corporations, and all Americans to observe the week with programs, ceremonies, and activities that acknowledge the contributions these institutions and their alumni have made to the country.
This ceremonial proclamation recognizes the more than 100 HBCUs across the United States that have educated millions of students. According to the proclamation, roughly half of HBCU students are the first in their families to attend college, and over 70 percent come from low-income backgrounds. The proclamation notes that the Obama Administration has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen HBCUs and provide financial aid for students who attend them.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory—they express presidential sentiment and draw public attention to causes or communities, but they do not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens. Presidents have issued such proclamations since George Washington as part of the executive tradition.
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9326-National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2015" — 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, 2015 Proclamation 9326—National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2015 September 18, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Ensuring all members of our American family have access to higher education is fundamental to our society. A college degree can help secure a place in the middle class and broaden horizons for people of every background and belief. For years prior to the Civil War, this promise was withheld from African Americans, and the lack of a structured higher education system often prohibited them from earning their rightful piece of the American dream. This week, we recognize the sacrifices made by those who fought for the right of all our Nation's students to have equal access to a quality education, and we recommit to carrying their legacy forward by pledging our support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and all who attend them. Countless champions from every corner of our country banded together to create the first HBCUs to resolve injustices and enable more people to realize their full talents and abilities. Though the barriers to higher education for African Americans have not been completely broken down, more than 100 HBCUs across our c