A Comprehensive Comparison of Biden and Trump’s Records on Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a pivotal role in the education of African Americans since their establishment in the late 19th century. Over the years, various U.S. presidents have shown varying degrees of commitment towards these institutions. In this article, we will delve deep into the records of the last two presidents, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, in supporting HBCUs.
Donald Trump’s Record on Supporting HBCUs
During Donald Trump’s tenure as president, he was criticized for his administration’s lackluster approach towards HBCUs. The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE) was left with no permanent director for over a year, resulting in a lack of leadership and decreased funding for HBCUs. However, the Trump administration did establish the
Federal HBCU Compact
in 2019, which focused on increasing partnerships between HBCUs and federal agencies.
Joe Biden’s Record on Supporting HBCUs
On the other hand, Joe Biden‘s record on supporting HBCUs spans over four decades. During his time as a senator from Delaware, he played a significant role in passing the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Act of 1992
, which provided funding for HBCUs. As vice president under Barack Obama, he led the Middle Class Task Force which allocated $250 million towards HBCUs. In his
presidential campaign platform
, he has pledged to double federal investment in HBCUs over the next ten years, and address the infrastructure needs of HBCUs through a $50 billion plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the records of Donald Trump and Joe Biden on supporting HBCUs could not be more contrasting. While the Trump administration is criticized for its lack of leadership and decreased funding towards HBCUs, Biden has a long-standing commitment to these institutions and plans to significantly increase their federal investment if elected.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Background
HBCUs are a vital part of American education, with roots dating back to the late 19th century. Established primarily between 1865 and 1900, these institutions were founded in response to the denial of higher education opportunities for African Americans. Due to racial discrimination, segregation, and limited resources, HBCUs provided a critical avenue for African American students to pursue higher education and enhance their opportunities for personal growth and economic mobility.
Importance in Contemporary Politics
Continued Relevance
Despite the significant progress made towards racial equality and desegregation, HBCUs continue to play a crucial role in American education. In contemporary politics, the importance of addressing the unique needs of HBCUs cannot be overstated.
Approximately 10%
of all undergraduate students in the United States attend HBCUs, representing a diverse student body that is predominantly African American but also includes students from various ethnic backgrounds.
Addressing Needs
Acknowledging the historical significance and contemporary relevance of HBCUs, it is essential for policymakers to address their unique needs. Funding, infrastructure improvements, and access to technology are just a few critical areas that require attention. By providing adequate resources and support, we can ensure that HBCUs continue to thrive and provide valuable educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
Overview of Biden and Trump’s Remarks at CNN Debate
Biden:
At the September 29, 2020, CNN Town Hall debate, former Vice President Joe Biden highlighted his $50 billion plan to revitalize Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). This initiative, which is a part of Biden’s broader educational agenda, focuses on several key areas:
- Research:
Biden intends to increase federal funding for research at HBCUs and MSIs, enabling them to expand their research capabilities and compete on a more level playing field with predominantly White institutions.
- Infrastructure:
Biden’s plan includes investments in campus infrastructure, such as modernizing classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories, to provide students with the best possible learning environment.
- Scholarships:
Biden also emphasized the need for expanding access to scholarships and other forms of financial assistance for students at HBCUs and MSIs, making higher education more affordable and accessible.
- Teacher Training:
To address the teacher shortage in underserved communities, Biden’s plan includes a focus on training and recruiting diverse teachers for these institutions.
Trump:
President Donald Trump, during the same debate, spoke about his administration’s accomplishments regarding HBCUs and MSIs:
Funding:
Trump pointed to his administration’s increase in HBCU funding, which surpassed the previous administration’s funding levels. This growth in financial support has enabled these institutions to expand their programs and better serve their students.
Deregulation:
Trump also touted his administration’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens, stating that the elimination of certain regulations under the Obama administration – specifically those related to Title IX campus sexual assault guidelines – would ease administrative burdens and allow HBCUs and MSIs to focus on their educational missions.
Criminal Justice Reform:
Lastly, Trump discussed the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that was signed into law in 2018. This legislation includes provisions aimed at reducing mass incarceration, providing reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals, and addressing sentencing disparities – issues that disproportionately affect the Black community.
I Biden’s Record on HBCUs
Biden’s dedication towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) dates back to his tenure as a senator and later as Vice President. His efforts have significantly contributed to the advancement of these institutions.
Biden’s earlier efforts as a senator and Vice President
Support for the Higher Education Act of 1992: As a senator, Biden played a crucial role in the passage of the Higher Education Act of 1992. This legislation expanded funding for HBCUs and other MSIs, providing them with essential resources to improve their academic programs and facilities.
1.1 Expanded funding for HBCUs and other MSIs:
The act provided increased financial assistance to these institutions, enabling them to better serve their diverse student populations. This support was instrumental in helping HBCUs and MSIs maintain their academic standards and enhance their offerings.
1.2 Established the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIOHBCU) in 1993:
In his role as Vice President, Biden established the WHIOHBCU to create a coordinated federal effort to improve the participation and educational opportunities for African Americans in higher education. This initiative aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by HBCUs and MSIs, paving the way for future progress.
Biden’s 2020 campaign platform and proposals for HBCUs
$50 billion plan to revitalize HBCUs and other MSIs: During his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden announced a comprehensive $50 billion plan to revitalize HBCUs and other MSIs. This ambitious initiative aimed at:
1.1 Investment in research, infrastructure, scholarships, and teacher training:
The plan focused on upgrading facilities, modernizing laboratories, and providing more scholarships for students to attend these institutions. Additionally, it sought to improve teacher training programs to attract and retain high-quality educators.
1.2 Expansion of Pell Grants to cover the full cost of attendance for students at HBCUs and other MSIs:
The proposed plan also aimed at expanding Pell Grants to cover the entire cost of attendance for students at HBCUs and other MSIs, providing financial relief and ensuring that deserving students could afford a higher education.
1.3 Increasing the maximum Pell Grant award from $6,345 to $9,000:
Furthermore, Biden’s campaign pledged to increase the maximum Pell Grant award from its current level of $6,345 to $9,000. This move would help bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and what Pell Grants currently cover, making higher education more accessible to a broader range of students.
IV. Trump’s Record on HBCUs
Funding for HBCUs under the Trump Administration
The funding landscape for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) under the Trump administration has been a complex issue. On one hand, certain programs have seen consistent or even increased funding. For instance, the Historically Black Graduate Institutions (HBGIs) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) programs have received continued support. On the other hand, some critical programs, such as Title III and Title V grants, which primarily focus on student services and institutional development, have experienced a decrease in funding under the Trump administration.
Trump’s deregulation efforts affecting HBCUs
The deregulatory initiatives of the Trump administration have had a significant impact on HBCUs as well. One notable change was the elimination of the Obama administration’s Title IX campus sexual assault guidelines, which were considered overly burdensome for schools and potentially harmful to due process rights. Furthermore, regulations on student loan forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment plans, have been rolled back, which may impact the ability of students to manage their educational debt.
Trump’s criminal justice reform initiatives that affect the Black community disproportionately
The criminal justice reform efforts of the Trump administration have also been a contentious issue regarding their impact on the Black community. The First Step Act, which was signed into law in 2018, includes provisions related to prison sentencing and reentry programs that are intended to help reduce recidivism rates. Additionally, the “Project 2nd Chance” initiative aims to help former prisoners find employment upon release from prison, which could potentially provide opportunities for individuals from the Black community who are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration. However, critics argue that these initiatives do not go far enough in addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system and the root causes of mass incarceration.
Comparison of Biden and Trump’s Approaches to HBCUs
Biden and Trump’s approaches to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have shown significant differences in funding, deregulation, and criminal justice reform initiatives.
Differences in Funding, Deregulation, and Criminal Justice Reform Initiatives
Funding:
During the Trump administration, HBCUs received a total of $3.2 billion in funding, which was a decrease from the $3.4 billion they received during the Obama administration. In contrast, Biden has proposed a $50 billion plan to invest in HBCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) over the next decade. This includes increasing the maximum Pell Grant award, investing in research and development, and addressing infrastructure needs.
Deregulation:
Trump’s Education Department rolled back several regulations put in place during the Obama administration, including the gainful employment rule, which held career training programs accountable for ensuring their students were gaining meaningful employment and earning a living wage. Biden has expressed his intention to restore these regulations, stating that they are necessary to protect students from predatory career training programs.
Criminal Justice Reform:
Trump’s criminal justice reform efforts were mainly focused on reducing federal prison sentences for non-violent drug offenses, while Biden has proposed a more comprehensive approach that includes investment in HBCUs and MSIs to provide educational opportunities that can help individuals avoid entering the criminal justice system, as well as criminal justice reform policies aimed at reducing mass incarceration and increasing rehabilitation and job training opportunities.
Effectiveness of their Respective Approaches based on Quantifiable Data
Enrollment Numbers:
Between the 2015-2016 and 2019-2020 academic years, HBCU enrollment decreased by approximately 3.2% during the Trump administration, compared to a 1.7% decrease during the Obama administration. Biden’s proposed $50 billion plan for HBCUs and MSIs could potentially reverse this trend by addressing infrastructure needs, increasing funding for financial aid programs, and expanding access to technology and research opportunities.
Graduation Rates:
The graduation rate for students at HBCUs has remained relatively stagnant, with only a 1% increase in the past decade. Biden’s investment in research and development could potentially lead to increased funding for innovative programs that help improve graduation rates, while his criminal justice reform proposals may help reduce barriers to higher education by reducing the number of individuals who are incarcerated and unable to attend college.
VI. Conclusion
In the comparison between President Joe Biden‘s and former President Donald Trump‘s records on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), it is clear that their approaches have been vastly different.
Biden
President Biden‘s commitment to HBCUs is evident through his longstanding support and advocacy for these institutions. As a senator, he championed legislation like the historically underfunded HBCU Capital Financing and Infrastructure Act. As vice president, he oversaw the implementation of the Obama administration’s initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, which aimed to address persistent opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color. Now as president, he has reinstated the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and proposed a $30 billion investment over ten years for HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority Serving Institutions.
Trump
Former President Trump‘s policy stance on HBCUs was largely absent. His administration’s proposed budgets consistently cut funding for these institutions, and he failed to appoint a White House liaison for HBCUs until late into his term. Despite this lack of support at the federal level, some HBCUs managed to thrive under the leadership of their presidents and communities.
Implications for the future
The stark contrast between these two administrations’ records on HBCUs has significant implications for the future of these institutions. With President Biden’s commitment to investing in HBCUs and addressing the unique challenges they face, there is a renewed hope for their growth and continued success. However, it is crucial that this commitment is sustained through ongoing advocacy from voters, advocacy groups, and education leaders.
Call to action
As the midterm elections approach, it is important for all stakeholders in education – voters, advocacy groups, and education leaders – to engage with the political process. We must demand continued support for HBCUs, not just from the federal government but also from state and local governments. By staying informed about candidates’ positions on education policy and advocating for the needs of HBCUs, we can ensure that these vital institutions continue to receive the resources and attention they deserve.
