“This is just the start of a long fight,” says Democratic Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina, commenting on the Executive Order that paused federal loans and grants. There’s growing concern within the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) community that essential programs focused on race and equity could be hit hard.
Adams, who’s the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, spoke out after a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s funding freeze. Adams, whose state is home to the largest number of HBCUs, argues that “President Trump is dismantling equity in education” by rolling back federal initiatives for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
“These schools are a cornerstone of the Black middle class,” she said. “He’s jeopardizing the future of countless students.”
The Trump White House maintains the pause is a review period for federal loans and grants. A White House official clarified that HBCUs aren’t affected — unless their programs include African American history or “woke” subjects, which could lose federal funding.
Walter Kimbrough, Interim President of Talladega College, told Black Press USA the funding freeze announcement shocked the HBCU community, which has long enjoyed bipartisan support. He pointed out, “How can you be an HBCU without African American history?”
The freeze is part of a 90-day review process of federal spending, with Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller stating that politically appointed officials will oversee the review. He stressed that essential programs wouldn’t be impacted, but critics point out that African American history and diversity programs could face cuts if deemed politically unfit.
Adams, a former professor at an HBCU, says the pause threatens already underfunded schools that are vital to Black communities. “This puts HBCUs directly in harm’s way,” she said.
Kimbrough, meanwhile, is calling for a meeting with the nation’s HBCU presidents and President Trump. “We’re eager to remind them of the crucial role HBCUs play in our nation and to ask for more support and investment.”
