Expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2025, be observed as the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions.
This is a non-binding House Resolution expressing the sense of Congress that August 30, 2025, should be observed as the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions. The 1890 Institutions are a group of 19 historically Black land-grant universities created under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, with a mission to provide educational instruction, agricultural research, and statewide extension. The resolution acknowledges the institutions’ history, current programs, and partnerships with federal and state agencies, and it encourages observances, continued collaboration, and bipartisan efforts to address past inequities in funding and programs. While it highlights existing funding and initiatives (including scholarships and federal programs), the resolution itself does not authorize new funding or create new laws; it signals Congress’ support and intent to promote awareness, partnerships, and potential interagency task forces. Potential impact is largely symbolic and promotional, aiming to elevate recognition of the 1890 Institutions, encourage celebratory and educational activities, and reinforce commitments to equitable support and interagency collaboration in the future.
Key Points
- 1Recognition and celebration: The resolution expresses formal recognition of 135 years of contributions by the 1890 Institutions and encourages Federal and State ceremonies and other appropriate events to observe the anniversary.
- 2History and mission: It documents the history and mission of the 1890 Institutions (educational instruction, agricultural research, and extension) and lists the 19 member universities that comprise the system.
- 3Federal-state and interagency collaboration: The resolution applauds existing federal-state partnerships and interagency collaboration (notably the USDA-1890 Task Force) and urges the creation of similar task forces across other federal agencies.
- 4Ongoing federal investments: It notes ongoing federal investments and programs supporting the 1890 Institutions, including scholarships and centers of excellence established by past farm bills, and emphasizes the value of continuing these efforts.
- 5Bipartisan commitment to equity: The resolution commits to bipartisan action to address past funding and program inequities affecting the 1890 Institutions and to strengthen partnerships to better serve disadvantaged communities.