Administration of Trump Cancels $350 Million in Aid to Colleges Serving Minority Communities
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced a significant change in its funding policies, with the decision to cease awarding approximately $350 million in discretionary grants to minority-serving institutions (MSIs). This announcement, made on Sep. 10 during National HSI Week, has sparked concern among education leaders and institutions.
The affected grant programs primarily serve historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). The specific programs losing discretionary funds have not been detailed in the provided text.
ED's decision is based on the belief that these grant programs are unconstitutional, despite being authorized by Congress. In July, Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote to U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson stating that the provisions outlining HSIs were unconstitutional.
The Sept. 15 announcement did not include additional investment in HSIs, but the department will still disburse $132 million in mandatory funds for some grant programs benefiting MSIs. Funds will be redirected to grant programs that do not include racial and ethnic quotas and that align with the administration's priorities.
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Waded Cruzado expressed concern over the department's decision, stating it would negatively impact millions of students. Cruzado also stated that these institutions play a crucial role in building a stronger America by educating students, conducting research, and serving their communities and the nation.
HSIs are expected to experience the most significant impact from the grant cuts. The specific programs losing discretionary funds have still not been detailed in the provided text.
However, ED later announced a one-time investment in HBCUs and TCUs on Sep. 15, amounting to an additional $495 million for these institutions beyond planned 2025 spending. This investment was not included in the initial announcement.
ED Secretary Linda McMahon stated that discrimination based on race or ethnicity has no place in the United States. The decision will affect both new awards and the continuation of existing awards.
The Trump administration will continue to disburse mandatory funds for the following programs: Strengthening Alaska Native- and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Strengthening Predominantly Black Institutions, Strengthening Asian American- and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, Strengthening Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions, Developing HSI Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics and Articulation Programs.
This change in funding policies comes after the U.S. Department of Justice claimed that the provisions for Hispanic-serving institutions were unconstitutional in July 2020. The decision has been met with controversy and concern from education leaders and institutions, who emphasize the crucial role these institutions play in providing access to higher education for underrepresented communities.
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