Introduction to Trump Administration’s Education Funding
The Trump administration has announced a significant boost in funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and tribal colleges, with a one-time investment of nearly $500 million. This funding increase is primarily covered by cuts to other college grants, mostly from programs reserved for colleges with large numbers of Hispanic students.
Background on Funding Cuts
The Education Department made this announcement just days after cutting $350 million from other grants, which were mostly from programs intended for colleges that have a high enrollment of Hispanic students. According to agency leaders, these grants were deemed unconstitutional because they are only available to colleges that meet certain minority enrollment thresholds.
Statement from Education Secretary
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that the changes will redirect money away from "ineffective and discriminatory programs toward those which support student success." McMahon also mentioned that "The Department has carefully scrutinized our federal grants, ensuring that taxpayers are not funding racially discriminatory programs but those programs which promote merit and excellence in education."
Redirecting Funds
The department is also redirecting about $60 million toward funding for charter schools and $137 million toward American history and civics grants. This move follows President Donald Trump’s executive action in January, which ordered the agency to repurpose federal money toward charter schools and other school choice initiatives.
Impact on HBCUs and Tribal Colleges
This one-time federal funding boost represents a 48% increase for HBCUs and more than doubles funding for tribal colleges and universities, according to the department. The Trump administration has flexed its power to repurpose discretionary funding to match the president’s priorities, made possible through a stopgap funding bill passed by Congress this year that gives the executive branch more authority over spending decisions.
Trump’s Support for HBCUs
Trump has long called himself a champion of HBCUs. During his first term, Congress added $250 million a year for HBCUs. This year, Trump signed an executive action that pledges an annual White House summit, an advisory board, and other support for HBCUs.
Cuts to Other Programs
The Education Department said the money comes from programs found to be "not in the best interest of students and families." It previously stated that the other minority-serving grants would be redirected to programs that do not rely on racial quotas. A person familiar with the decision said money is also being directed away from programs that support gifted and talented programs, magnet schools, international education, and teacher training.
Reaction to Cuts
Last week’s cuts to the Hispanic Serving Institution program reversed decades of precedent. Congress created the program in 1998 after finding that Latino students were going to college and graduating at far lower rates than white students. The department also cut several smaller programs for colleges serving certain percentages of Asian American, Black, or Native American students. The cuts drew swift blowback from Democrats, who said those programs have long had bipartisan support and fueled social mobility for working-class Americans.
Lawsuit Against Hispanic Serving Institution Grants
A July memo from the Justice Department argues that the Hispanic Serving Institution grants are unconstitutional because they are open only to colleges where a quarter of undergraduates or more are Hispanic. The department declined to defend the program in a suit brought by the state of Tennessee and Students for Fair Admissions, an anti-affirmative action group. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to halt the grants.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s decision to boost funding for HBCUs and tribal colleges while cutting grants for Hispanic-serving institutions has sparked controversy. While the administration argues that the changes will promote merit and excellence in education, critics say the cuts will harm social mobility for working-class Americans and are a step backward in addressing the educational disparities faced by minority students.
FAQs
- Q: How much funding is being redirected to HBCUs and tribal colleges?
A: Nearly $500 million is being redirected to HBCUs and tribal colleges. - Q: What programs are being cut to fund this increase?
A: The funding increase is primarily covered by cuts to other college grants, mostly from programs reserved for colleges with large numbers of Hispanic students. - Q: Why were the Hispanic Serving Institution grants cut?
A: The Justice Department argued that the grants are unconstitutional because they are open only to colleges where a quarter of undergraduates or more are Hispanic. - Q: How will this funding boost affect HBCUs and tribal colleges?
A: The funding boost represents a 48% increase for HBCUs and more than doubles funding for tribal colleges and universities. - Q: What other programs are being redirected?
A: About $60 million is being redirected toward funding for charter schools and $137 million toward American history and civics grants.
