University of the District of Columbia 175th Anniversary Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026

Education

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor: Mendelson
Last action: 2026-02-27
Official status: Approved
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The resolution focuses on ceremonial recognition without creating new laws or regulations.

University of the District of Columbia 175th Anniversary Recognition

This resolution acknowledges and celebrates the University of the District of Columbia's (UDC) 175th anniversary, highlighting its contributions to education and community.

What This Bill Does

Recognizes UDC for reaching its 175th year in existence.
Acknowledges UDC as the District’s only public university with a rich history dating back to 1851.
Commends the hard work of UDC's administrators, students, faculty members, and staff.

Who It Names or Affects

The University of the District of Columbia
UDC’s community including current and former students, faculty, and staff

Terms To Know

HBCU: Historically Black College or University, a U.S. institution that was established before 1964 with the intention of providing higher education to African American students.
RCU: Research College & University, an institution recognized for its research activities and contributions to scholarship.

Limits and Unknowns

The resolution does not provide financial support or changes in policies but is a ceremonial acknowledgment.
It only recognizes UDC's achievements without creating new laws or regulations.

Bill History

2026-02-27 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Resolution ACR26-0126, Effective from Feb 03, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 002714
2026-02-03 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Retained by the Council
2026-02-03 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Legislative Meeting
2026-02-03 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
Approved with Resolution Number ACR26-0126
2026-02-02 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS
CER26-0129 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

Official Summary Text

University of the District of Columbia 175th Anniversary Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-129

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

February 3, 2026

To acknowledge and celebrate the 175th anniversary of the University of the District of
Columbia.

WHEREAS, The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), is the District’s only
public university and the nation’s second-oldest historical black college and university (HBCU);

WHEREAS, UDC traces its origins to 1851, with the founding of the Miner Normal
School, established by Myrtilla Miner to train young Black women as teachers and expand
equitable access to education;

WHEREAS, From that foundation, the institution evolved significantly, and on August 1,
1977, through the consolidation of multiple predecessor schools including Federal City College,
Washington Technical Institute, and District of Columbia Teachers College , UDC took on the
form of the comprehensive public university we are familiar with today;

WHEREAS, UDC now offers more than 80 academic programs across 6 schools and
colleges, including a nationally recognized law school; a vibrant community college in the
Lamond-Riggs neighborhood, and workforce development programs in Congress Heights;

WHEREAS, UDC rose 5 places to #18 in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report HBCU
rankings, reflecting gains in academic quality, student success and institutional reputation. The
university was designated a Research College & University (RCU) in the Carnegie Classification,
a recognition that underscores the university’s growing research enterprise and expanding
investment in scholarship that addresses real-world challenges facing the District and beyond; and

WHEREAS, in 2026, UDC celebrates its 175th anniversary – with festivities throughout
the year designed to connect past, present and future Firebirds and engage the UDC community
and beyond in reflection, storytelling and forward-looking conversations about UDC’s impact and
its role in shaping the District’s future.

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
2

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “University of the District of Columbia 175th Anniversary
Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026”.
Sec. 2. The Council acknowledge s and celebrates the rich and vibrant history of the
University of the District of Columbia . The Council also commends the scores of the
administrators, students, faculty members and staff that have worked so diligently to create a
culture of academic excellence and community pride in and around the District’s only public
university.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.