The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) extend appreciation to President Trump for signing the executive order reestablishing the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and reinforcing key Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) priorities for the HBCU community.

“We express our gratitude to President Trump and his administration for signing this executive order, which unequivocally reaffirms his support of investment in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). We also commend TMCF’s dedicated and ongoing policy engagement with the administration and members of Congress,” said Demetrius Johnson, Jr., HCF Founder, President & CEO. ” This executive order elevates the value and impact of our nation’s HBCUs, serving as a shining example of educational excellence and economic opportunity for all who support HBCUs and their students, including members of Congress and state lawmakers. HCF looks forward to continuing our efforts to support HBCU initiatives in fostering continued opportunities in higher education for all.”

Following the signing of the executive order, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon released the following statement:

“The White House Initiative highlighted reinforces President Trump’s commitment to supporting and elevating America’s HBCUs. The Department will work with the Initiative and HBCUs to expand partnerships and share best practices for institutions to become hubs of opportunity and economic engines for local industries and employers. I am eager to elevate and support America’s HBCUs, including in my role on the President’s Board of Advisors for the White House Initiative on HBCUs.”

Additionally, this executive order encourages states to provide the necessary State matching funds for 1890 Land-Grant Institutions. It collaborates with the Department of Agriculture and State governments to establish a framework for addressing barriers to accessing Federal funding. This ensures that HBCUs receive the maximum funding they are entitled to, marking the first time this issue has been addressed in an executive order. Additionally, the executive order underscores President Trump’s commitment to promoting innovation and excellence throughout HBCUs, in consultation with HBCU leaders, representatives, students, and alumni.

“We are delighted that President Trump has pledged to urge the states to fully match the funds that 1890 Land-Grant Institutions rightfully deserve. This appropriation will finally close the financial gap that state lawmakers and HBCU advocates have been continually advocating for,” Johnson said.

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