Governor signs Senator Bradford’s Legislation Promoting Black Student Success on California College Campuses

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1348 by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), which will promote Black student success in higher education by creating the nation’s first recognition of a Black-Serving Institution. 

The designation will be similar to the existing federal recognition of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.

California’s new Black-Serving Institutions designation will highlight colleges and universities that are focused on expanding educational opportunities and improving the academic outcomes for Black students. 

“SB 1348 fills an important void by recognizing the commitment of California colleges and universities that are making significant investments in ending historic disparities that exist for Black students,” Bradford said. “The Black-Serving Institutions will set a high bar for schools and showcase their focus on Black students.”

To qualify as a Black-Serving Institution, a college or university must have a Black student population of at least 10% or 1,500 students. The institution must also have a Black student success program, demonstrate the resources that will be used to ensure the student success plan can be implemented, certify a commitment to address Black and African American student success, and submit key performance indicators of Black student success the school will achieve during the designation period.

The California State University Statewide Central Office for Advancement of Black Excellence will serve as the administering body and the awarding decisions will be made by an eight-member governing board consisting of the Lieutenant Governor or their designee, a member of the public appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, a member of the public appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, a representative  of the President of the University of California,  the Chancellor of the California State University,  the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, and the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Supporters of SB 1348 believe California’s new Black-Serving Institution designation will make a difference by improving outcomes.

“This landmark legislation is a game changer for higher education institutions across California who want to support black student success. Even more, this legislation will change the face of higher education at a national level, serving as a roadmap for how to reshape federal designations to focus on serving and enrolling students of color,” Sacramento State President Luke Wood said. “As a researcher, who has spent over two decades finding solutions to support marginalized communities, SB1348 ensures that Black-Serving institutions will play a critical role in addressing and improving the historic disparities we see in higher education, ensuring equitable opportunities and support for Black students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Thank you to Senator Bradford for paving the way and leading on this bill. We are grateful for his leadership, passion, and vision.”

SB 1348 will become law on Jan. 1, 2025.