HR0355 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0355 LRB103 32948 MST 62752 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Since 2013, Illinois Black student enrollment in higher education has declined nearly 40%, and nationally, Black student freshman enrollment has fallen nearly 18%; and

WHEREAS, At Illinois' flagship University of Illinois, the Black student enrollment has declined annually since 1997, and the current numbers of Black students are at an all time low; and

WHEREAS, Many of the other higher education institutions in Illinois and across the country have experienced severe declines in Black student enrollment; and

WHEREAS, Communities populated by individuals with some college experience and higher education completion enjoy higher average household incomes, low unemployment, strong homeownership, reduced crime, and overall community stability; and

WHEREAS, Many Black communities in Illinois and the nation now suffer from low average incomes, low homeownership, high crime, and instability; the current trend of declining Black student enrollment will exacerbate the current challenging situation and eventually decimate the Black community; and

WHEREAS, Student enrollment in higher education has increased among other minority groups at Illinois institutions, while Black student enrollment is steadily declining; and

WHEREAS, False anti-higher education propaganda has effectively infiltrated the Black community, masking the benefits of higher education for developing young minds, developing friendship, networking, and providing critical information; and

WHEREAS, Jobs and careers in technology, the medical field, and other industries continue to go unfilled while affordable training and education for those careers are available; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare a Black student enrollment crisis in the State of Illinois until enrollment at our flagship University of Illinois and all other Illinois higher education institutions reach a suitable number of Black enrolled students; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge all Illinois higher education institutions to immediately establish an office or department with ample personnel to specifically and aggressively work in the area of Black student recruitment, immediate enrollment, and scholarships; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the Governor to utilize his executive powers to immediately direct funds toward emergency enrollment outreach and completion programs for Black student enrollment increases at Illinois higher education institutions.