The University of Hawai'i system is facing the potential loss of more than $100 million in federal funding, a move that threatens essential student support programs across its 10 campuses. The cuts, initiated by the U.S. Department of Education, are targeting programs the department has labeled as "racially-discriminatory," with grant money set to expire at the end of this month.
A key program at risk is the Native Hawaiian Student Services center at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. The termination of this funding could lead to the closure of the center, impacting dozens of employees and the academic futures of many students who rely on its resources.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Hawai'i system could lose over $100 million in federal funding for student support services.
- The U.S. Department of Education is eliminating grants for programs it deems "racially-discriminatory."
- UH Mānoa's Native Hawaiian Student Services is directly threatened, with funding ending this month.
- Approximately 30 jobs and numerous academic support programs are at risk due to the cuts.
- Students and university officials express deep concern over the potential impact on minority student success and retention.
Details of the Federal Funding Withdrawal
The U.S. Department of Education's decision to re-evaluate and eliminate certain grants is part of a broader national initiative. The department's review targets programs that provide specialized support to specific ethnic or racial groups. For the University of Hawai'i, this policy directly affects grants that have long supported services for minority students.
The total amount under consideration exceeds $100 million and applies to all 10 campuses within the UH system. This significant reduction in financial support jeopardizes the infrastructure built to assist students from underrepresented backgrounds, including Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Background on Title III Grants
Many of the affected programs, including Native Hawaiian Student Services, are supported by Title III grants from the federal government. These grants are specifically designed to strengthen institutions that serve a high percentage of minority and low-income students. The potential discontinuation of these funds represents a major policy shift with direct consequences for the institutions and students they were created to help.
Immediate Impact on Native Hawaiian Student Services
The Native Hawaiian Student Services center at the Mānoa campus serves as a vital hub for academic assistance, research support, and community building. With its federal funding set to expire, the center's continued operation is in serious doubt.
Alicia Reyes, a student who also works at the center, highlighted the scale of the potential job losses. "Approximately 30 employees whether it's interns, student workers, full-time staff, part-time staff are all funded under this title three grants," she said. These positions are critical not only for the employees but also for the delivery of a wide range of student programs.
Reyes also pointed to a larger issue of institutional dependency on precarious funding sources. "We wanted to have secure funds that were not reliant on federal grants because as you can see, they can leave at any point," she explained. "They could dissipate and we don't have funds."
Students Voice Concerns Over Academic Futures
For students who depend on the center for employment and academic guidance, the news of the funding cuts has created significant uncertainty. The loss of these services could create financial and educational barriers that are difficult to overcome.
"It is very scary that I might not be able to have a future with a B.A. in mind," said Hezekiah Kapua'ala, a student media manager at the center. "I might not be able to graduate at some point because of all the cuts in funding."
Kapua'ala, who relies on his job and scholarships to afford his education, also expressed concern about the broader implications for the Native Hawaiian community. "That worries me the most is how much more Hawaiians are going to be impacted because we have a long history of Hawaiians being displaced and have the injustice that America has put Hawaii through," he added.
By the Numbers: The Potential Impact
- $100+ Million: Total federal funding at risk for the UH system.
- 10 Campuses: All University of Hawai'i locations are affected by the cuts.
- 30 Employees: The estimated number of jobs directly threatened at the Native Hawaiian Student Services center alone.
University Leadership Responds
University officials are aware of the situation and have expressed their concern about the potential negative effects on student enrollment and success, particularly among minority populations.
Maenette Ah Nee-Benham, Chancellor of UH West Oahu, acknowledged the risk that these cuts could discourage students from pursuing higher education. "It certainly could deter them from seeking a higher-education program," she stated.
The administration is reportedly exploring ways to mitigate the damage from the loss of federal funds. "We are all very concerned. We are doing as much as we can... to shore up the resources and the services all of our students, in particular Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders," Ah Nee-Benham said.
The end of the month marks a critical deadline for the University of Hawai'i. Without a reversal or alternative funding, students and staff are preparing for the discontinuation of services that have supported the academic journeys of countless individuals.
