Let me preface this post by noting that I did not, nor do I plan, to attend an HBCU. My choice to go to state schools for my higher education was based on economics. All things being equal I probably would have attended an HBCU for either undergraduate or graduate studies.
I recently came across an article on USA Today’s website that indicated that Black students at HBCU’s (particularly males) have lower graduation rates than Black students at other schools. I went searching for the article because there is some talk around the web that the Obama administration may cut funding to HBCU’s in the upcoming fiscal year by between $73 and $85 million dollars.
If some HBCU’s are, in fact, under-performing, then why continue to fund them ? I understand that this country has a long history of federally mandated marginalization of minorities (Gays, American Indians, Black Americans, Women, etc); however, if a business is no longer a good business should the government be responsible for bailing it out ? Are some businesses so important to our well being as a country that WE should continue to fund them even if they under-perform ?
What do you think ?
There is more interesting reading here regarding the federal government’s funding of HBCU’s.
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4 responses so far ↓
I attribute it to what we do in our public schools with AYP. Why are they underperforming? As a state school are they given the same resources as some of the bigger named state schools? Or are they just flying by and doing nothing?
A lot of these smaller HBCU’s have been neglected by the state. Some of these schools have some of the best business, education, science programs in the country, but since they are on a smaller scale and don’t get much “love” from the state they go unnoticed.
I went to an HBCU but it was private. The alumni base is very supportive and we don’t rely on state funds to do what we need to do. My school is considered part of the upper scale of HBCU’s.
Yes, black students can pretty much go wherever they want to go for a higher education, but my heart is still with the HBCU because of its rich history. Before President Obama decides to cut the funding, I would hope the administration would look to see what has already been done and has it been effective.
States need to treat these schools the same as they would treat the bigger universities that are in the state. Many people probably wouldn’t agree with my stance. But I feel strongly about not closing these schools. For some students, this is the best chance for them to get a higher education. I guess its a matter of debate. Thanks for the post!
It must be kismet, because I have been thinking of this very topic recently.
I would like for each HBCU to be evaluated, and, on the basis of that evaluation, is it an institution which can be improved?
One the one hand, I believe that HBCU’s have outlived their purpose. On the other hand, they provide opportunities for students who may otherwise not pursue a higher education.
It’s a complex and complicated topic, at least from my perspective.
At times, I liken the HBCU to the Junior College. I’ve know people who have gone to HBCU’s that shall remain nameless and those schools have delayed registration and the start of classes, several times, because the students haven’t all paid, the secretary is sick, or some other reason.
Things like that just don’t happen at state schools and many other private institutions of higher learning.
I’m not trying to be overly critical of HBCU’s, but we need to have the conversation.
Do we need ALL of them ?
My colleagues and I have discussed this issue several times. Students are actually discouraged from attending HBCUs by some of our counselors. As a graduate of an HBCU, I would have to say that it is a truly unique experience and, for all their flaws, they fulfill an intangible need for many African-American collegiates. Many of the people I went to school with came from lily white high schools and being at an HBCU definitely helped shape their cultural awareness of the black community and the issues therein. Some HBCUs are stronger than others but all colleges and universities are accredited by the same organizations. If a school is truly underperforming then these organizations have processes in place to address those issues. As a friend of mine has adeptly pointed out- if I look at the faculty at my school (which is very diverse) we all have the same job with the same opportunities for advancement whether we came from an HBCU, an Ivy League school, a small “no-name” liberal arts college, GaTech, Emory, or UGA. So when it comes down to it…..it’s not the school you graduate from per se but what you make of it.