Thompson Applauds Historic Participation of Minority Serving Institutions in Centers of Excellence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, February 25, 2008
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, announced that the Department of Homeland Security has chosen four minority serving institutions to lead Homeland Security Centers of Excellence. This announcement marks the first time that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) have been chosen to administer these important programs.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Centers of Excellence program provides the nation’s colleges and universities with the opportunity to perform necessary research and to develop cutting-edge technology for prevention and response to natural and manmade disasters.
"Today’s historic decision to designate not one, but four institutions as leads is remarkable. I have challenged the Department to recognize that diversity must be a major part of its efforts to recruit and retain employees, contractors, colleges and universities."
In 2007, Chairman Thompson developed a plan entitled “Charting the Course toward Freedom from Fear” where he emphasized the importance of inspiring minds and developing technology to ensure a productive future for homeland security.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
