02.28.17

Scott Statement on Executive Order on HBCUs

WASHINGTON – Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the President signed an executive order on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“Every President since Jimmy Carter has issued an executive order to strengthen HBCUs, and it is encouraging that the White House is honoring this tradition. For more than 150 years, HBCUs have been the cornerstone of postsecondary education for African-American communities across the country and have provided a pathway to opportunity for tens of thousands of young Americans. These institutions merit robust investment and their students deserve a strong federal commitment to grant aid, such as Pell Grants, and wrap around services designed to get them in and through college. Student support programs such as TRIO, GEAR UP, and Federal Work Study are critical to student success.

“Unfortunately, there is alarming talk from the White House about increasing defense spending at the expense of domestic programs, which could include cuts to programs that support HBCUs and other federal education programs. Our institutions of higher education – and especially HBCUs – need more robust investment, not less. 

“As the budget process evolves, I encourage the Administration to reinforce its support for this new Executive Order by offering and securing real investments for HBCUs, our public education system and the students and families who they serve.”