
As Donald Trump prepares for inauguration on Jan. 20, many students wonder what a second term under the former president would mean for Florida A&M University and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
HBCUs have long struggled with underfunding, which has hindered their ability to compete with predominantly white institutions in areas such as infrastructure, academic resources and student services.
When asking third-year student Emma Sylvain what she thought about the college’s lack of federal funding, she expressed her concerns about the future.
“That it would be devastating. FAMU relies heavily on federal funding to provide scholarships, maintain facilities, and support academic programs. Without it, we would lose so many opportunities that help students like me succeed,” Sylvain said.
Her comment reflects the concerns of many Historically Black Colleges and Universities students who see federal support as critical to preserving the legacy and future of these institutions.
During Trump’s first term, his administration tried to address this issue, particularly through signing the Future Act in 2019. This act secured over $250 million in permanent annual funding for HBCUs, including FAMU, marking a significant development for these institutions. However, while this funding helped stabilize the budget, there are many concerns that it fell short of addressing systemic financial inequities and the historical underfunding many HBCUs continue to face.
The future of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives at HBCUs is increasingly uncertain as Trump’s second term begins, raising questions about how his administration’s policies might impact these critical programs.
DEI programs help foster inclusivity, ensure equitable access to resources, and prepare students to thrive in diverse professional environments. However, during Trump’s first term, a 2020 executive order restricted certain aspects of DEI training by banning federal agencies and contractors from conducting training that addressed concepts such as systemic racism and implicit bias.
This move initiated widespread criticism, with many arguing that it undermined efforts to address inequality and foster dialogue about race and inclusion. Although the order was later rescinded in 2021 by President Joe Biden, Trump’s return to office has raised concerns that similar policies could be reinstated, potentially stifling progress at institutions like Florida A&M University.
Beyond DEI, potential policy shifts under a second Trump administration could have far-reaching effects on academic programs and campus operations at HBCUs. Changes to Title IX regulations, for example, could impact how universities address gender equality, campus safety and sexual misconduct.
“While it is a federal issue, we must focus on what happens more at the state level. While Trump did provide funding during his previous term, it shouldn’t be looked at as a form of full support,” said Lauryn Canty, a member of FAMU’s Student Government Association
Canty’s comment sheds light on state and federal policies and their impact on institutions like Florida A&M University. While federal initiatives often set the stage for funding and overarching priorities, state-level decisions are crucial in determining how these policies are implemented and whether they effectively benefit HBCUs.
As Donald Trump begins his second term, the future of Florida A&M University and other HBCUs remain uncertain. Among the many questions surrounding his reelection, arguably one of the most important is: How will his policies specifically affect FAMU?