(Press Release) — Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero, independent candidate for CNMI delegate to Congress and longtime educator, today condemned recent federal action to end discretionary funding for Minority-Serving Institutions, a move that he said undermines educational opportunity for students across the United States and the Pacific.
“Ending federal support for Minority-Serving Institutions is not just an administrative change — it’s a direct attack on the promise of opportunity for students and young people across our islands and our nation,” said Deleon Guerrero. “From the CNMI to communities across America, MSI funding has helped students — especially first-generation learners and those from low-income and underserved backgrounds — pursue education to better their lives. I join the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in denouncing this funding cut.”
The U.S. Department of Education announced that it will no longer operate the following programs after the U.S. Department of Justice issued an opinion that they are unconstitutional: Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program, Predominantly Black Institutions formula grants, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program, Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions, Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans, Hispanic Serving Institutions–STEM Programs, and Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions. These programs historically have been designated by the federal government to provide access, academic and social support, and upward mobility, particularly for low-income students and those as the first in their family to attend college.
“Minority-Serving Institutions don’t just enroll students — they transform lives. They strengthen communities. They build workforces. They expand economic opportunity. And here in the Marianas, Northern Marianas College and the University of Guam are essential engines of opportunity for students who deserve every chance to succeed,” Deleon Guerrero said. “Cutting this funding will have real human consequences — for students, families, and our future workforce.”
“As delegate, I will fight to protect and restore funding for Minority-Serving Institutions. I will work with members of both parties in Congress to reaffirm our nation’s commitment to educational opportunity and access — not abandon it,” said Deleon Guerrero.
“The CNMI and the Pacific deserve a representative who understands that strengthening education is strengthening our future.
“That is what I’m fighting for: fighting for our students, fighting for our young people, fighting for us.”
