The Trump administration is redirecting nearly $500 million in federal funds to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The funds will also be redirected to tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs).
The money to HBCUs and TCCUs will be in addition to funds allocated in the 2025 federal budget, The Hill reported.
The allocation will bring federal HBCU funding to more than $1.34 billion in 2025.
Clark Atlanta University President George T. French Jr. told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
“The University is grateful to the Executive Branch and the Secretary of Education for this reported appropriation. As we develop the workforce to support our nation as Higher Education exemplar, we remain appreciative of bipartisan support for Higher Education within this sacred sector.”
The U.S. Department of Education said the money is being redirected from other grants and programs at schools that are “racially discriminatory”.
“Today, the Department is making three massive investments — redirecting financial support away from ineffective and discriminatory programs toward those which support student success,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “We are proud to make the largest investment in the Charter Schools Grants Program in the Department’s history, support American history programs that will inspire young people to be active and informed citizens, and recognize Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities’ historic contributions to improving education and opportunity in our country.”
She continued: “The Department has carefully scrutinized our federal grants, ensuring that taxpayers are not funding racially discriminatory programs but those programs which promote merit and excellence in education. The Trump Administration will use every available tool to meaningfully advance educational outcomes and ensure every American has the opportunity to succeed in life.”
Last week, the education department announced it would stop funding grant programs that discriminate on the basis of schools enrolling a certain percentage of racial minorities. Those cuts total $350 million, The New York Times reported Monday.
“This funding shouldn’t come at the expense of funds intended for other minority-serving institutions and programs that support underrepresented students,” said Sara Partridge, associate director of a left-wing think tank.
