Today, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA-02), released the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order on HBCUs.
“As a proud graduate of Morehouse College, an HBCU that was established two years after the end of the Civil War, I understand the important role that HBCUs play in the African-American community. The education and experience that students get at HBCUs provide benefits for them that last their whole lives.
“I also understand the history of these institutions. Secretary DeVos’ recent comments that HBCUs were about school choice are outrageous and offensive. For a long time, HBCUs were the only choice for African-American students who wanted to further their education because racist admissions offices at other colleges and universities refused to admit them.
“As for the executive order, President Trump seems to be more concerned about symbolism than substance. While I appreciate President Trump honoring the CBC’s years-long request to increase the visibility of the HBCU initiative by moving it into the White House, I’m concerned that he seems to be relying on private sector dollars to fill in the inevitable federal funding gaps that will be created by the massive cuts to discretionary programs he is proposing. Instead of promoting policies and programs that would actually help HBCUs and their students, like increased Pell grant funding, the President is more concerned about photo opportunities with HBCU presidents.”
On Monday, the CBC sent a letter to President Trump requesting that he include substantial funding for Pell Grants, Title III of the Higher Education Act and other policies and programs that help HBCUs in his budget to Congress. The letter is attached.
