Capitalizing on the Opportunity for Black/Latino Cooperation

As a Washington, D.C., lobbyist representing both Spelman College, an historically Black institution (HBCU), and the University of Puerto Rico, an Hispanic-serving institution (HSI, Anita Estell is learning to navigate the mercurial currents of coalition politics.

During the recent policy dispute that emerged between Blacks and Latinos over Title III funding in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), Estell had the delicate task of simultaneously supporting the interests of Black and Hispanic-serving institutions. She credits leaders on both sides of the dispute for staying focused on a common goal -- increasing federal funding for HSIs and HBCUs.

The focus to which Estell refers is exemplified in the actions of people like Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.). Even though several Black leaders had strenuously objected to proposals aimed at creating a separate category for HSIs within the Title III legislation, viewing it as a potential threat to HBCU funding, Fattah and several other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) co-sponsored a bill that supported the new category. The bill was authored by Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-Texas), a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

"I knew there were objections to it, but it put me in a position to facilitate a settlement," explains Fattah, a CBC member. "There are many times when congressmen sign onto bills they help amend."

The pragmatism of people like Fattah, Hinojosa, and Estell eventually led to passage of an HEA bill that included increased funding for both HSIs and HBCUs as well as new categories in Title V for HSIs, Tribal Colleges, and Hawaiian/Alaskan Native-serving institutions. (See chart in Washington Update, page 8)

"The HEA worked out to each group's satisfaction," Estell says.

In the estimation of some observers, the shaping of higher education policy represents fertile ground for the emerging Black/ Latino coalition in national politics. The coalition's struggle during the Title III funding process illustrates that the relationship between Black and Latino leaders is still evolving and requires more nurturing.