Last Updated on March 17, 2016
On November 4th 2008 the Black community celebrated after the nation elected its first Black President. President Obama’s election in 2008 and subsequent reelection in 2012 changed the political landscape. Today, presidential candidates once again are vying for the Black vote to win key states. Before the November election Democratic and Republican candidates continue to travel throughout the United States highlighting their platforms on foreign policy, community policing, immigration, taxes, and education. Recently, the Democratic hopefuls former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders clashed over their higher education platforms, specifically, how they impact HBCUs.
Thus far, advocates, pundits and political surrogates have argued over the value of each Democratic candidate’s higher education platform. In contrast, the current Republican candidates have not discussed in detail the history, importance or future of HBCUs. This may change as the march to November continues but Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders have spent considerable time discussing HBCUs on the campaign trail and during town hall discussions/debates. Analyzing each candidate’s positions on HBCUs is critical considering the plight of institutions located in Louisiana and Illinois. However, before taking a deep dive into the details it’s important to highlight reasons why HBCUs are a hot topic of discussion. There are four primary reasons both Democratic candidates have to take time to woo HBCU supporters including:
- The Importance of the Black Vote- Over the last few months the political rhetoric has galvanized supporters on both sides. The country could see an increase in overall voter turn out in November. However, candidates (particularly Democratic) have to win a percentage of the Black vote to win the election. In 2012, the Black community voted at a higher percentage than Non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, Black women voted at a higher rate than any other group. This trend could continue and help determine the next president of the US.
- Primary states located in the South- HBCUs are predominantly located in the south. Several primary states including Florida, South Carolina and Texas are home to several HBCUs. Discussing the importance of HBCUs is solid political strategy. Traditionally candidates discuss issues that resonate with important groups. While not all Black voters are HBCU alumni they continue to play an important role within the community.
- The Power of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)- Since it’s inception the CBC has been the conscience of Congress. Members of the CBC represent a diverse group of constituents from the Black, Asian and Latino community. For democratic hopefuls they are political kingmakers. For example, several powerful CBC members including Congressman James Clyburn are proud HBCU graduates (South Carolina State University).
- Political Reality- The nation’s shifting demographics are forcing candidates to address issues that are important to the Black community. Increasingly the Black, Latino and Asian communities are leveraging candidates to support specific federal and state programs. Without a strong diverse voting coalition winning the presidency is difficult. President Obama’s election in 2008 and 2012 proved that ethnic and racial groups are changing the electoral map.
Candidates respond to groups with political capital and most recognize the importance of the Black vote in the November election. Some advocates may argue that the candidate’s interest in HBCUs is superficial but because they are at the center of the Democratic education debate we may save several schools. However, ensuring HBCUs remain viable will require a closer examination of Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders higher education platforms.
Presidential Candidates Higher Education Platforms
It’s important to remember that the majority of candidate's policy proposals will not become law because of political rancor. The partisan divide could make it difficult to pass critical legislation. Elections in the House and Senate will help determine, which issues are prioritized. Below is a closer look at how Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders’ high education proposals could impact HBCUs:
Secretary Clinton– proposes a $25 billion fund for minority serving institutions (MSIs) including HBCUs. Dramatically increasing funding for HBCUs is critical. A large federal investment could pressure states to correct historical funding inequities. In addition, Secretary Clinton’s higher education plan includes a proposal to lower student debt through refinancing. Students from HBCUs graduate with high rates of debt in comparison to White students. Providing students with refinance options is helpful for students from low to moderate-income families.
The New College Compact could alleviate the financial burden of attending a post-secondary institution. The plan includes free tuition for community college students and grants for states. There are several two year HBCUs. Moreover, post-secondary institutions could face new accountability and outcome based measures.
Senator Bernie Sanders– proposes to make tuition free at public post-secondary institutions. The proposal is important because of the funding problems some public HBCUs encounter in states with large university systems. Each year students drop out of school because of variety of problems including the lack of money. Senator Sanders plan would allow public HBCUs to aggressively recruit Black students at the margins; students from low-income families with talent but with limited financial or emotional support.
The Sanders plan seeks to cut student loan interest rates and increase funding for federal work-study. Students would have the opportunity to supplement their family income through work-study while completing their degree. New funding for HBCUs could increase retention rates for students with limited resources.
Overall each plan offers funding that could help HBCUs. Considering the importance of the Black vote discussing issues including HBCUs, economic development, education, and community policing is critical. We have to ensure candidates support efforts to protect public and private HBCUs. It’s important to remember the future of some HBCUs is tied to making the right decision during the primaries and election in November.
Dr. Larry J. Walker is an educational consultant focused on supporting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). His research examines the impact environmental factors have on the academic performance and social emotional functioning of students from HBCUs. Dr. Walker’s work has been published in Diverse Issues in Higher Education and University of Pennsylvania’s, Center for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). He is the co-editor of a book on graduate education at HBCUs. A former Congressional Fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and Legislative Director for former Congressman Major R. Owens (11th CD) Dr. Walker has several years of experience examining policy issues. During Dr. Walker’s tenure on Capitol Hill he worked on the No Child Left Behind Act, amendments to the Higher Education Act (HEA), fought for increased funding for HBCUs and worked closely with stakeholders. Dr. Walker earned his Ed.D. from Morgan State University.
