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Is the End Near for Black Colleges?
How Long Before HBCUs Come Under Increased Fire?
Last weekend, I attended a college reunion at my alma mater, Fisk University. It was also graduation, and the Class of ’75 was celebrating their 50th Anniversary. I have two more years to go, God willing. The Class of 2025 was graduating, and I couldn’t help but wonder if Fisk University or any other HBCU would be around for their 50th?
Colleges and Universities serving all people of color are coming under fire. This isn’t new, but the intensity has grown. President Trump recently signed a symbolic Executive Order expressing support for HBCUs. In the small print, Trump rescinded the previous 2021 order signed by Joe Biden, which was more expansive. On his first day in office, Trump removed support from tribal colleges and schools with over 25% Hispanic populations. You may be unaware that over 65 tribal colleges are offering two and four year degrees, and over 400 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) that Trump just screwed. The “pause” in federal funding that Trump initially proposed would have forced many institutions to close. That pause is on hold, but those schools realize they are on the cutting block should it resume. Like almost all American colleges and universities, they depend on federal funds for survival.
“We’re certainly in quite a…
