In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federally funded programs. This move has sparked significant concern among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which have long relied on such programs to support their missions and student bodies.
The executive orders, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” mandate the termination of all DEI-related offices, policies, and activities within 60 days. This directive has led to the suspension of critical programs, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 1890 National Scholars Program, which provided full scholarships to students at HBCUs. In 2024 alone, this program awarded $19.2 million to 94 students across 19 HBCUs. The suspension has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including Rep. Alma Adams, who described it as “a clear attack on an invaluable program that makes higher education accessible for everybody.”
Beyond financial implications, the DEI ban poses challenges to academic freedom and research endeavors at HBCUs. For instance, West Virginia State University, a public HBCU, is reviewing its programs to ensure compliance with the new directives. University President Ericke S. Cage expressed concern that the elimination of DEI-focused federal grants and privately funded scholarships could directly impact the institution’s ability to support students and advance research.
The rollback of DEI programs at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) has led to a surge in interest and applications to HBCUs. Taj Echoles, vice president of development at 100 Black Men of South Florida, predicts an influx of students who might have otherwise attended PWIs now turning to HBCUs for their education. Florida A&M University (FAMU), for example, received 20,000 applications for the upcoming academic year but can only accommodate about 1,600 students. Richard Gibson, a member of FAMU’s National Alumni Association, highlighted the challenge of managing this increased demand, noting that the university might have to turn down a significant number of applicants.
Students at HBCUs are expressing apprehension about the broader implications of the DEI ban. At FAMU, some students fear that political constraints might hinder the teaching of topics related to race and American history. Junior accounting major Jacob Presly emphasized the importance of receiving a comprehensive education, stating, “We deserve the same level of education that all these other states are getting. We deserve the same information.”
The national ban on DEI programs presents multifaceted challenges for HBCUs, affecting funding, academic freedom, and student support services. While these institutions are experiencing increased interest and applications, they must navigate the complexities of reduced resources and heightened political scrutiny. As the situation evolves, HBCUs continue to advocate for the preservation of programs that are integral to their mission of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.