How Policies and Practices Can Support the Positive Momentum of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Throughout their history, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have opened the doors of higher education to marginalized individuals, provided high-quality educational experiences, and cultivated scholarship that enhanced society. For HBCUs to continue serving their vital role in America’s higher education system, federal, state, and institutional policymakers must work to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing HBCUs. In this chapter, the author discusses the current policy context for HBCUs. Specifically, he discusses major federal and state policies impacting HBCUs and the strategies HBCUs use to navigate America’s political landscape. He also discusses institutional practices that can help HBCUs build on the positive momentum they have generated in recent years. 

Keywords: historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs); federal education policy; equity and access in higher education; institutional capacity building