(Washington D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced the introduction of two Senate resolutions that she cosponsored related to Hispanic Heritage Month. One resolution designates the week of September 20-25, 2009 as National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week, and the other resolution commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts today and goes until October 15.
“I am proud to join my colleagues as we commemorate the heritage and achievements of the Latino community,” said Senator Patty Murray. “From the historic confirmation of Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, to the growing role of Latinos in our regional and national economy, the achievements of Latinos across America deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”
The two Senate resolutions were led by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ).
A resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States and their immense contributions to the Nation.
September 15th marks the beginning of our nation’s observation of Hispanic Heritage Month in which we honor and celebrate the achievements of the Latino community. Hispanics are the nation’s largest and fastest growing minority population, and the community continues to rise above many challenges and break new ground in this country — economically, socially and politically.
A resolution designating the week beginning September 20, 2009, as ‘‘National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week’’.
While Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) constitute less than 5% of America’s institutions of higher education, they enroll more than 56% of all Hispanic Americans enrolled in colleges and universities. National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week will recognize the contributions of these exemplary institutions at the forefront of service to our nation’s youngest and largest ethnic population.