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Congresswoman Adams Inquire about Progress of the White House HBCU Initiative (2208 hits)

Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) led a letter, signed by members of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, to President Trump inquiring about the progress of the White House HBCU Initiative (Initiative). In February, President Trump signed an Executive Order that would move the Initiative from the Department of Education to the Office of the President. To date, this move has not taken place. The letter inquires about this move, as well as, the progress being made to hire an Executive Director for the Initiative, and President Trump’s proposed budget and statements he’s made that run counter to his Executive Order’s ideals.

“This administration claimed that HBCUs would be a priority but their actions indicate otherwise and their promise rings hollow,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Since signing his Executive Order in February, President Trump has failed to hire an Executive Director for the Initiative, proposed a budget that cuts essential funding from HBCUS, appointed a Secretary of Education who doesn’t understand the rich history of HBCUs, and questioned the constitutionality of the Capital Financing Program. More than six months into office, the HBCU community deserves answers on the progress being made by this administration. I urge President Trump to act swiftly to address these concerns.”

Every President since Jimmy Carter has signed an Executive Order on HBCUs creating the HBCU Initiative. The last four presidential administrations have appointed a director for the office by July of their inaugural year. The Initiative currently employs four career staffers out of the Department of Education but without an Executive Director, the Initiative lacks a leader and advocate in the administration.

Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC) is the co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. She is a two time graduate of NC Agricultural and Technical University and a retired professor of 40 years from Bennett College.