The Clinton adminstration is touting a new Hispanic Initiative that targets both students and colleges, and may leave some tough decisions for congressional leaders and educators of color.

The February 2 plan rekindles a debate about the appropriate way the federal government should fund Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). HSI leaders call such aid essential, while African American leaders wonder whether the plan will undercut Black colleges receiving aid under Title III of the Higher Education Act (HEA).

Another part of the new Clinton initiative would broaden Hispanic access to TRIO programs that offer early intervention access, and retention services. Hispanics are under-represented in TRIO, plan supporters say. But TRIO officials believe it could change the program's structure from one based on income and class to one based on race.

"I hope we can get together and show a united front between Hispanics and African Americans," said Dr. Henry Ponder, president of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO). "Both [minority groups] have had hard times."

Ponder acknowledged, however, that a gulf remains -- one that finds African American leaders making a complex argument against new federal race-based funding.

The president's new Title III budget calls for HSIs to receive $28 million next year, more than double their current $12 million appropriation. Under the same plan, HBCUs also would get a $16 million increase beyond their higher funding base, which is $118 million this year.

Unlike most issues in Washington, D.C., however, the debate is not simply about money. HSIs want Congress to create a new section of Title III specifically for their institutions as a way to raise visibility and attention to a fast-growing sector of higher education.

"We're basically a footnote under Title III right now," said Antonio Flores, president of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).