[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7703 of September 12, 2003
 
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, 2003

By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a distinguished past
and an important future in providing higher education for Americans
throughout our country. As we celebrate National Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Week, we recognize these institutions for
their dedication to academic excellence. And we reaffirm our Nation's
commitment to equal educational opportunities for all Americans.
Since the mid 1800s, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have
provided superb education and training to many Americans. And these
schools opened the door to African Americans when other doors were
shamefully barred. Since their inception, these schools have furthered
the development of young people who went on to become leaders in
government, business, education, science, the military, law, and many
other fields. Graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
have made great contributions to America, and continue to serve as role
models for all Americans.
The struggles and many successes of America's Historically Black
Colleges and Universities are the struggles and successes of our Nation.
Today, our Nation's 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities are
building on their commitment to excellence and their integral position
within our higher education system. Our Nation must continue to support
these schools for the sake of our students and our future.
In 2002, I signed an Executive Order supporting the White House
Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help find
new ways to strengthen these schools. My Administration also has sought
to increase fiscal year 2004 funding for Historically Black Colleges and
Universities by 5 percent, requesting more than $224 million. In
addition, the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black
Colleges and Universities is helping these colleges and universities
benefit from Federal programs, obtain private-sector support for their
endowments, and build private-sector partnerships to strengthen faculty
development and cooperative research.
America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a proud and
storied tradition. America recognizes and salutes their history and
achievements and will work for their continued success.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 14 through
September 20, 2003, as National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians,
and all the people of the United States to observe this week with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs as we demonstrate our
appreciation for these important institutions and their many successful
graduates.

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117 STAT. 3084

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH