Federal budget cuts impact historically black colleges and universities

May 12, 11:21 PMRichmond Distance Learning ExaminerCindy Wolfe

Image: C. Wolfe

On May 7, President Obama revealed his education budget and the proposed cuts in federal programs will negatively affect historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Since 2007, HBCUs have received $85 million annually in additional aid. 

Even though overall federal student aid will increase to $250 million from $238 million, the special HBCU allowance was omitted in the President’s budget. HBCU leaders indicate that the budget cut is not welcome, especially in tough economic times when the schools are struggling to meet their own budgets and continue to serve needy students. 

History of HBCUs. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed Executive Order 12232 to establish a federal program to strengthen the capability of historically black colleges. President Ronald Reagan extended the program in 1981, and President George Bush established a Presidential Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in 1989. Four years later, President Bill Clinton signed an executive order to implement the program. Signed by President George Bush in 1989, Executive Order 13256 transferred oversight to the U.S. Department of Education and tasked HBCUs to “offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents.” 

The Obama administration no doubt recognizes the importance of historically black colleges and universities. About half of the nation’s African-American public school educators as well as about 20% of all undergraduate degrees awarded to African-Americans are earned at HBCUs. Famous graduates include Dr. Martin Luther King (Morehouse College), Booker T. Washington (Hampton University), Spike Lee (Morehouse College), Tom Joyner (Tuskegee University), and Donde West (Virginia Union University). 

Proposed increase for Pell Grants. Carmel Martin, Assistant Secretary of Education, indicated the government will continue to support all students, including minority and low-income learners. However, it is clear that the Obama administration prefers to provide funds directly to students rather than to HBCUs. Colleges will indirectly benefit from a provision in the budget to increase Pell Grants by $200 to $5,550, but this provision is not specific to HBCUs.

Budget cuts at HBCUs. The $85 million the 105 federally recognized HBCUs have received for the past two years was intended as a temporary measure, according to the U.S. Department of Education. All HBCUs, including such famous institutions as Spelman College in Atlanta and Howard University in the District of Columbia, will certainly be affected by the decision to reduce the special payments. 

Most colleges and universities are anticipating higher student populations because of the economic downturn. HBCUs will need to find other financial resources to support their programs. The Pell Grant increase is welcome but will result in less than the amount HBCUs had received each year since 2007. The economy is also affecting the rate of donations from individuals and philanthropies. 

In tough economic times, all universities must find ways to decrease spending and build donor bases. This may be especially difficult for HBCUs as they must bear the shortfall of $85 million already built into their 2009 budgets, while continuing to provide a quality education for minority students.  

© 2009 Cindy Wolfe 

To Learn More: 

White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

Executive Order—White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

List of HBCUs—White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities

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