DOUBT CAST ON CLAIMS OF HBCU UNDERFUNDING
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Posted By: Catalina Deossa on July 24, 2024 The issue of severe underfunding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) compared to predominantly white institutions (PWIs) has been well-documented for decades. Last year, data released by the Biden administration revealed that land-grant HBCUs in several states have been underfunded by more than $12 billion since 1987, a violation of the Second Morrill Act of 1890. Despite this revelation, skepticism persists among legislators, higher-education leaders, and circuit court judges. According to the United Negro College Fund, HBCUs account for only 3 percent of colleges in the U.S. but produce 20 percent of Black college graduates. However, supporters argue that insufficient financial support hampers their ability to compete with surrounding predominantly white universities. The disparities between land-grant HBCUs and PWIs can be traced back to their founding. The Morrill Act of 1862, aimed at establishing colleges for agricultural and mechanical arts, excluded Black people, prompting the passage of the Second Morrill Act of 1890 which created 19 land-grant institutions for Black students. Despite federal promises of matching funds for these institutions, several lawsuits allege that states have withheld funding from land-grant HBCUs since the enactment of the Second Morrill Act. According to a report by the Century Foundation, when states fail to provide full funding, HBCUs must cover the shortfall to continue receiving federal funds, unlike PWIs. Lawsuits have been filed by HBCUs against state governments, such as in Georgia, where alumni from Fort Valley University, Albany State University, and Savannah State University sought to reclaim over $600 million redirected from HBCUs to PWIs by the Georgia Board of Regents. Despite such efforts, funding disparities persist, affecting institutions like Southern University and Virginia State University, which are owed substantial amounts. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has urged governors of states with land-grant HBCUs to address these longstanding budget gaps. He emphasized that inadequate funding has forced many distinguished HBCUs to operate with insufficient resources, delaying critical investments in campus infrastructure, research, and student support services. However, some state officials dispute these funding claims, asserting that they have met their obligations. Advocates argue that adequate funding is essential for HBCUs to provide quality education and opportunities, highlighting how the lack of resources disadvantages HBCU students compared to their PWI counterparts. They stress the need for equitable funding to ensure that all land-grant HBCUs receive the support they rightfully deserve. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Catalina Deossa
Archaeologist, CHRONOS SAS Florida Int`l Univ class of 2011 Member Since April 2024 |
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