The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) strongly condemns the proposed higher education funding overhaul advancing through the Missouri legislature, which would result in devastating and disproportionate cuts to public institutions—particularly historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“We at HCF are deeply concerned by proposed funding cuts that would disproportionately impact Missouri’s HBCUs. Institutions like Harris-Stowe State and Lincoln University are vital to the higher education landscape, our communities and students, and reducing their resources undermines decades of progress in educational equity. We urge lawmakers to protect these institutions and ensure they have the support needed to thrive.”

— Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF

Under the current proposal, institutions such as Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) and Lincoln University (Missouri) could face funding reductions of 35% to 40% or more due to a redistribution formula based largely on enrollment. These cuts would strip millions of dollars from already underfunded institutions and threaten their ability to serve students, sustain academic programs, and contribute to Missouri’s workforce and economy.

This proposal is deeply troubling—not only because of its scale, but because of its impact. HBCUs have historically operated with fewer resources while serving higher proportions of first-generation, low-income, and Pell-eligible students. Punishing these institutions with drastic funding reductions undermines decades of progress toward educational equity and economic mobility.

Harris-Stowe State University, for example, already receives among the lowest level of state funding yet plays a critical role in educating underserved populations and driving community development. A reduction of this magnitude would force difficult decisions affecting student support services, workforce partnerships, and academic offerings.

Likewise, Lincoln University—a 1890 land-grant HBCU with a longstanding mission of access and public service; stands to lose a significant portion of its state support under this plan, further exacerbating longstanding disparities in higher education funding.

HCF urges Missouri lawmakers to reject this damaging proposal and instead adopt a more equitable, transparent, and deliberate funding model—one that acknowledges the unique mission, impact, and needs of Midwestern HBCUs. Any reform to higher education funding must be implemented responsibly, with stakeholder input and without jeopardizing institutions that are essential to closing opportunity gaps.

We call on policymakers, alumni, student, community advocates to stand in solidarity with Missouri HBCUs and demand a funding approach that uplifts, not undermines, their future and the students future.

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About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) was founded in 2012 and is a non-profit educational organization that remains a strong advocate for students and higher education. The mission of HCF is to support the significance and raise funds for scholarships, programs, and for private and public HBCUs and MSIs. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.