Scott Statement on Trump Administration Cutting $350 Million in Funding for Minority Serving Institutions

As originally released by the Committee on Education and Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON - Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Department of Education announcedit will not disburse any Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Title III or V discretionary funds in FY2025.

"A college degree remains the surest path to financial stability. This is particularly true for low-income students and students of color whose educational and workforce opportunities have historically been limited by intergenerational poverty and systemic racism. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) serve roughly five million students, or about one-third of all undergraduate students in America. These institutions are effective engines of economic mobility because they meet students where they are and are dedicated to educating the whole person.

"As President Johnson said when he signed the Higher Education Act (HEA) into law, the law meant, 'that a high school senior anywhere in this great land of ours can apply to any college or any university in any of the 50 States and not be turned away because [their] family is poor.' Today's actions are deeply at odds with the fundamental goal of HEA to ensure all students, regardless of their background, can access an affordable, quality degree."

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