Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".

Summary: HRES 97 — Expressing support for National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week

Overview

HRES 97 is a House Resolution that expresses support for designating a specific week—beginning February 3, 2025—as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.” Introduced on February 4, 2025, the measure is currently referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The primary sponsor is Rep. Sharice Davids.

Purpose and Intent

• Officially recognize and show support for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and their contributions to higher education, Indigenous communities, and workforce development.
• Encourage public observance of the designated week through activities and programs that demonstrate broad support for TCUs.

Key Provisions

• (1) The House “supports the designation of National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.”
• (2) The House “urges the people of the United States and interested groups to observe National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week with appropriate activities and programs to demonstrate support for Tribal colleges and universities.”

Procedural Status and Timeline

• Introduced: February 4, 2025.
• Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• Primary Sponsor: Sharice Davids (D-KS).
• Related Legislation: SRES 49 in the Senate (companion bill).

Who Would Be Affected

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), including their students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Native American communities that rely on TCUs for higher education and cultural preservation.
• Educational institutions, community organizations, and individuals supporting TCUs through observance activities.

Fiscal and Regulatory Implications

• This is a non-binding resolution expressing support and urging observance; it does not authorize spending or create enforceable policy changes. No new funding is specified.

Context and Practical Implications

• As a companion to potential Senate action (SRES 49), this resolution signals bicameral interest in recognizing TCUs.
• For educators, students, and community organizations, the designation aims to raise awareness and encourage events, programs, and public acknowledgement during the designated week.

Takeaway

HRES 97 is a symbolic, non-binding measure intended to elevate awareness of Tribal Colleges and Universities and to mobilize public participation in observing National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week during the week of February 3, 2025.