WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is redirecting nearly $500 million in federal funding toward historically Black colleges and tribal colleges, a one-time investment covered primarily by cuts to other colleges serving large numbers of minority students. The Education Department announced the funding boost days after cutting $350 million from other grants, mostly from programs reserved for colleges that have large numbers of Hispanic students. Agency leaders said those grants were unconstitutional because they’re available only to colleges with certain minority enrollment thresholds.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the changes will redirect money away from ineffective and discriminatory programs toward those which support student success. '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,' McMahon stated.
The department is also redirecting about $60 million toward funding for charter schools and $137 million toward American history and civics grants. Recently issued executive actions by President Donald Trump are aligned with these funding shifts, particularly those promoting school choice initiatives.
This change represents a significant 48% increase in funding for HBCUs and more than doubles funding for tribal colleges and universities. This suggests a concerted effort by the administration to bolster institutions that traditionally face funding challenges, positioning them for greater success.
However, the cuts to the Hispanic Serving Institution program have faced backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that these programs have historically enjoyed bipartisan support and are crucial for promoting equity in higher education.
While the reallocation aims to fulfill the administration's educational priorities, the impact of these funding decisions on minority-serving colleges remains a contentious topic among policymakers and stakeholders in the educational landscape.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the changes will redirect money away from ineffective and discriminatory programs toward those which support student success. '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,' McMahon stated.
The department is also redirecting about $60 million toward funding for charter schools and $137 million toward American history and civics grants. Recently issued executive actions by President Donald Trump are aligned with these funding shifts, particularly those promoting school choice initiatives.
This change represents a significant 48% increase in funding for HBCUs and more than doubles funding for tribal colleges and universities. This suggests a concerted effort by the administration to bolster institutions that traditionally face funding challenges, positioning them for greater success.
However, the cuts to the Hispanic Serving Institution program have faced backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that these programs have historically enjoyed bipartisan support and are crucial for promoting equity in higher education.
While the reallocation aims to fulfill the administration's educational priorities, the impact of these funding decisions on minority-serving colleges remains a contentious topic among policymakers and stakeholders in the educational landscape.
