Addressing Historic Underfunding of HBCUs

Over the past few decades, public and private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) experienced steep declines in federal funding. While most institutions of higher education have received lower state and local appropriations since the 2008 recession, many studies have found disparities in funding across several states’ HBCUs in comparison to their non-HBCU institutions. As a result, many states are working to remedy the historical disinvestment of HBCUs.  

In The Hunt Institute’s newest briefs written with support from Lumina Foundation, we illuminate two states’ strategies to addressing historical disinvestment.  

Addressing Historic Underfunding of HBCUs juxtaposes Maryland’s use of litigation and public opinion with Tennessee’s bipartisan legislative support. While both approaches resulted in historic settlements to support their Historically Black Colleges and Universities, each state experienced unique challenges and successes from which other states can learn as they consider their own approaches to addressing historic disinvestment.  

Addressing Historic Underfunding of HBCUs 

The Addressing Historic Underfunding of HBCUs briefs are the final briefs in a three-part series on the historical disinvestment of HBCUs. The first brief explored the national landscape of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) funding, including the historical disinvestment of land grant HBCUs. 

Follow us at @Hunt_Institute to continue interacting with materials and efforts to spotlight the legacies of HBCUs.