Federal officials say Georgia owes HBCU’s money after years of unequitable funding

Federal officials have determined that Georgia owes Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) millions in compensation for years of unequal funding, finding that the state has not allocated sufficient financial resources to these institutions. 

HBCU’s have historically served Black communities and have often faced financial disparities compared to predominantly white institutions. The decision by the feds stems from efforts to address past systemic inequalities and ensure that HBCUs receive equitable funding going forward.

Federal officials, including U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack, are urging Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to increase state funding for Fort Valley State University, Georgia’s historically Black land-grant institution in a letter sent to Kemp and 15 other governors, as they point to “unequitable funding” for land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The letter addressed the funding disparities and pointed out that Fort Valley State University, with an enrollment of just over 2,600 students in the last fall, would have received an additional $603 million from the state over the past three decades if its per-student funding were on par with that of the University of Georgia.

It’s important to note that the University of Georgia, designated as the state’s original land-grant school in 1872, did not admit Black students until 1961. This highlights the historical funding discrepancies that federal officials are now pushing to rectify, aiming for more equitable support for HBCUs.

An excerpt from the letter said: “The longstanding and ongoing underinvestment in Fort Valley State University disadvantages the students, faculty, and community that the institution serves. Furthermore, it may contribute to a lack of economic activity that would ultimately benefit Georgia,” states the letter. “It is our hope that we can work together to make this institution whole after decades of being underfunded.”

Press secretary Garrison Douglas confirmed in a written statement that Kemp’s office received the letter saying “The governor has and will continue to support Georgia’s HBCU institutions and the contributions they are making to prepare the next generation to lead the economy of tomorrow.”

Douglas referred requests for comment on specifics of the letter to the University System of Georgia, which oversees 26 public colleges and universities including UGA and Fort Valley State.