Education Leaders Sound the Alarm on Trump Administration Lack of Support for HBCUs, TCUS, and MSIs

Education Leaders Sound the Alarm on Trump Administration Lack of Support for HBCUs, TCUS, and MSIs

WASHINGTON - House Education leaders raised concerns with Department of Education (ED) Secretary Linda McMahon about recent Reductions in Force (RIFs) that would leave the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) nearly empty. This would leave ED unable to properly support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

The letter was sent by Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Ranking Member Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development.

"Often, HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs are doing more to provide a high-quality collegiate experience for their students with fewer resources than other institutions," wrote the Ranking Members. "That is why the federal government must continue to support their efforts by providing robust and continued resources."

"Without the guidance, technical assistance, and general support that OPE staff typically provide, institutions will struggle to deliver high-quality services to their students who rely on federally funded programs to succeed in college," continued the Ranking Members. "The reckless decision to eliminate staff at OPE makes it difficult to have confidence that the Administration will maintain the commitment to helping these students."

This letter comes after the Trump Administration began attempts to dismantle the Department of Education at the expense of students and families. Since February, the Trump Administration has fired tens of thousands of government employees.

These reckless actions ultimately harm students and families who rely on services that these employees.

To read the letter, click here.

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