A resolution recognizing National Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the importance and accomplishments of historically Black colleges and universities.

Mr. President, I am proud today to join my colleague from Maryland and others in the Senate in submitting a Senate Resolution recognizing the accomplishments and importance of our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This resolution is a companion to a resolution my colleague from Maryland in the House of Representatives and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus--Elijah Cummings--introduced earlier this year.

There was a time in our history when African Americans had few choices to further their education other than Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Legal and historical segregation closed the doors of many colleges and universities, leaving them few options. Fortunately, Historically Black Colleges and Universities filled the void magnificently. They may be small in number compared to other universities, but their impact is impressive. In the 1950s, Historically Black Colleges and Universities produced more than ninety percent of Black professionals. It is difficult to imagine where this country would be without the service and dedication of the professors, administrators and supporters of our Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

For example, Thurgood Marshall, denied admission at a segregated University of Maryland School of Law, went on to obtain his law degree at Howard University. He later was appointed to the United States Supreme Court and was on the bench when the Court decided Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark decision that once and for all held that separate learning facilities for school children are unconstitutional. The University of Maryland--now a very different, a more just and diverse place, much like the United States--acknowledged the historical error of its ways and welcomes all students. In fact, it has named its law library after Justice Marshall. We may have missed the benefits of Justice Marshall's brilliant contributions to the legal profession had Howard University not been there to accept, nurture and superbly educate African American legal scholars of his era. It is impossible to calculate how many doctors, Members of Congress, attorneys and engineers might not have completed their educations if these institutions had not been there to serve them.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities continue to demonstrate their value as thousands of students who have the opportunity to attend any school choose to enroll in these unique institutions. Maryland is fortunate to have four of these institutions: Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. According to the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), 103 Historically Black Colleges and Universities enroll more than 370,000 students and graduate approximately one-third of all Black students each year. NAFEO notes that students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities graduate with greater frequency than African American students at predominantly white institutions and receive greater academic and social support.

As many universities face the challenges of State budget constraints, disappearing corporate donations, and reduced endowments, Historically Black Colleges and Universities are hit especially hard. Many of them make it their goal to educate low-income students, making their student bodies even more reliant on financial aid. As our Historically Black Colleges and Universities face struggles, the Federal Government, State governments, alumni and friends must make sure they continue to thrive. We must guarantee that future generations will continue to benefit from the academic and cultural richness Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide. Let this resolution symbolize Congress' commitment to continuing the mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and ensuring their future success.

I ask unanimous consent that the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 221 and that the Senate then proceed to its immediate consideration.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record, with the above occurring with no intervening action or debate.