A new study led by Boston College professor, Andres Castro Samayoa, has analyzed President Trump’s recent proposals for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). These schools account for less than 15 percent of all colleges and universities in the country, but enroll 40 percent of underrepresented students.
The researchers found that even though President Trump promised support for minority serving institutions, every single program for these colleges and universities had a reduced budget, totaling close to $95 million in proposed cuts. The largest budget cut to a single program was for the Strengthening Historically Black College Fund.
Despite the President’s suggestions, Congress rejected the cuts and maintained the current budget for minority serving institutions. The researchers recommend that the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act must include provisions for these institutions. The researchers stress that this is an opportunity to address structural issues that limit opportunities for students of color and provide support for students from all backgrounds. They also suggest that the Congressional Democrats’ proposed increases for minority serving institutions should be considered.
