Nine Massachusetts college presidents are banding together to oppose a federal lawsuit that threatens to dismantle a program that supports Hispanic students, according to a Monday statement.

The presidents — from state and community colleges and one private institution — are urging state and national government leaders to support the Hispanic Serving Institution designation. All are presidents of schools that currently have the designation.

Colleges and universities become a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) when at least 25% of full-time equivalent undergraduate students self-identify as Hispanic, among other criteria, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

“The HSI Program provides access to grant funding — more than $400 million annually nationwide that colleges can apply fo

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