On April 23, 2025, President Trump issued a revamped executive order (EO) concerning Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The order intends to enhance the impact of these institutions on young adults and expand their role within the private sector. The announcement generated mixed reactions: some view the directive as a welcome show of attention, while critics argue it’s merely performative because it lacks guaranteed financial backing and actionable support.
Historically, statements of support for HBCUs haven’t always translated into meaningful action. The Trump administration often highlights its first term efforts, which included the signing of the FUTURE Act in 2019, permanently providing federal funding to Minority Serving Institutions (including HBCUs). The administration also repositioned the Federal HBCU Initiative to the White House. For perspective, the Biden Harris administration invested a total of $1.7 billion into HBCUs over four years, demonstrating significant financial commitment. Both administrations have routinely met with HBCU presidents and leaders within the Divine Nine community.
However, many in the HBCU community remain skeptical of the new EO, believing the administration exhibits a contradictory stance. Civil rights activist and HBCU graduate Nupol Kiazolu expressed concern over the “double mindedness between support and the stripping of educational funding.” She stated, “The Trump administration is trying to make it look like they’re doing something… but in actuality they’re not… it’s quite frankly very, very contradictory and concerning.”
This skepticism is rooted in concerns over recent cuts to federal funding for institutions like Howard University and broader attacks on the Department of Education (DOE). New EOs aiming to shift power back to state and local governments have the potential to negatively affect not only minority students but also disabled and low income students.
The new EO also mentions the concept of an oversight committee to monitor and manage HBCU funding affairs, a concept Kiazolu strongly opposes: “I do not like the idea of [an oversight committee] because again you cannot trust this administration anything coming out of this administration, especially an oversight committee for HBCU because we’ve seen how in real time these people are attacking diversity equity include and inclusion initiatives and threatening to defund school systems that don’t comply with his orders to whitewash history.”
Leaving crucial funding decisions up to individual states creates significant financial uncertainty for HBCUs. The existing funding disparity is stark: the per student funding gap between predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and HBCUs is substantial, with a reported 100:1 ratio—meaning for every $100 a PWI receives, an HBCU only receives $1. This long standing $12 billion gap highlights the urgent need for dependable federal investment.
Given the precarious nature of governmental funding, it’s increasingly critical that HBCUs look to external financial support, particularly from their alumni. Many HBCUs maintain strong alumni networks that help sustain revenue across campus departments. Leveraging the power of endowments and private donors is also essential. Speaking out about the financial pressure facing these institutions helps spread awareness and aids in the preservation of their history and legacy.
Allies and supporters are urged to donate—not just to popular or private HBCUs, but to the smaller institutions that are equally impactful. While the future of the Trump administration’s support for HBCUs remains unclear, the responsibility falls to the HBCU community and its committed allies to take proactive steps to maintain their financial health and secure their vital legacy.