Latino advocates and students are mounting a lobbying campaign to block a proposed $354 million reduction to the federal grant program supporting minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The proposal would reduce funding for the MSI ecosystem that supports programs like Yo Soy STEM at San Diego City College and other student supports. Advocates argue MSI funding addresses longstanding disparities in academic outcomes and that the MSI designation reflects the enrollment realities faced by Latino and other minoritized student populations. HACU president Antonio R. Flores said the program developed around the “severe… neglect” of Latino populations. Republicans supporting the cut say MSI grants are discriminatory because award decisions are based on racial composition, arguing federal aid should be tied to poverty. The dispute sets up a high-stakes pre-Congress budget and appropriations fight affecting hundreds of MSI programs.