| Media Contact Division of Strategic Communications and Media Relations 501.420.3387 communications@hbcucampaignfund.org |
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) announced the launch of a national advocacy campaign opposing Mississippi state lawmakers and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board of Trustees’ acceptance of a new performance-based funding framework for the state’s public universities. The campaign seeks to mobilize students, alumni, educators, civil rights advocates, elected officials, and supporters across the nation to urge the Mississippi leaders to reject any funding model that could disproportionately harm historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The campaign follows the IHL Board’s recent acceptance of a framework that would tie future state funding increases to institutional performance metrics, including degree completion, student progression, and workforce outcomes.
HCF contends that while accountability and student success are important goals, performance-based funding models often fail to account for historical inequities, longstanding resources disparities, and the unique missions of institutions that serve a large number of first-generation, low-income, and underserved students.
“Mississippi’s public HBCUs have been engines of opportunity, economic mobility, and workforce development for generations. A funding model that emphasizes outcomes without fully recognizing historical underfunding and institutional mission risks widening existing disparities rather than closing them. Equity must remain central to any conversation about higher education funding.”
— Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF
The campaign will focus on raising public awareness about the potential impact of performance-based funding on Mississippi’s three public HBCUs — Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, and Mississippi Valley State University. HCF argues that institutions serving historically marginalized populations should not be disadvantaged by metrics that fail to account for differing student demographics, institutional missions, and historic funding inequities.
As part of the initiative, HCF will launch a nation grassroots advocacy effort encouraging supporters to contact state lawmakers and members of the Mississippi IHL Board of Trustees, submit public comments, share educational resources, and participate in digital engagement opportunities designed to amplify concerns regarding the proposed funding framework.
The campaign calls on the Mississippi IHL Board of Trustees and state policymakers to ensure that any funding formula adopted includes:
The campaign page on HCF’s website provides educational materials, advocacy resources, and opportunities for supporters to take action in opposition to the proposed funding model and in support of equitable higher education policies.
To learn more and join the campaign, click here. All media inquiries, questions, or concerns can be directed to HCF’s Division of Strategic Communications and Media Relations via email at communications@hbcucampaignfund.org.
About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) is an educational non-profit and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting HBCUs and MSIs. Founded in 2012, its core mission focuses on raising funds for student scholarships, developing campus programming, and advocating for higher education equity. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.
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