These city leaders want to expand HBCUs beyond the South. Here's why they say it's critical as DEI is under attack | CNN
us.cnn.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 6:29:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time
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Kei'Yanii Dawson dreams of attending a historically Black college where she can take classes and engage in campus life with more students who look like her.
But Dawson, a junior at a majority-White private high school in San Francisco, said that would likely mean going to school far from home and taking on more debt for housing and out-of-state tuition.
However, a growing movement to expand the presence of HBCUs into more communities outside the South could soon give students like Dawson easier access to a Black college.
Officials in cities such as Boston and San Francisco say they are actively working to bring satellite campuses of HBCUs to their communities, hoping to strengthen the pipeline for Black students to pursue higher education and to grow and diversify their local economies.
"I feel like if there was a satellite (HBCU) here in San Francisco, it would just be so much easier," Dawson said. "An education coming to me instead of me going so far, there's definitely more benefits from that, money-wise."
Advocates for HBCUs insist these proposals are critical as the Trump administration targets diversity, equity and inclusion programs at predominantly White institutions, such as Harvard University, and as Black students seek schools where they feel included and celebrated.
President Donald Trump has decried DEI initiatives as "illegal and immoral discrimination."
Earlier this year, the Trump administration proposed a 2026 fiscal year budget that would cut $64 million in funding for Howard University, the nation's only federally chartered HBCU. The National Institutes of Health also canceled a $16.3 million grant for Florida A&M University's pharmacy school as part of Trump's effort to end DEI programs.
US District Judge Stephanie Gallagher on Thursday struck down two administration actions that threatened to cut federal funding from educational institutions with DEI programs, ruling the Education Department violated the law, according to The Associated Press.
Despite his administration's attacks on DEI, Trump signed an executive order in April supporting HBCUs.
"This order will continue the work begun during my first Administration to elevate the value and impact of our Nation's HBCUs as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity that serve as some of the best cultivators of tomorrow's leaders in business, government, academia, and the military," it read.
Students celebrate during the 165th Commencement Ceremony at Lincoln University, a historically Black college, in 2024.
Robert Williams/Lincoln University/Getty Images
HBCUs were first established in the mid to late 1800s, when legal segregation in the South prevented Black students from enrolling in existing colleges and schools in the North imposed quotas on the number of Black students who could attend. During this period, HBCUs became the primary means of providing a college education to Black people. Today, the majority of HBCUs are located in the South.
Keith Lezama, CEO and founder of Building Bridges Education -- a nonprofit dedicated to providing New England students with access and pathways to HBCUs -- said he supports the expansion of Black colleges. He said many Black families in communities without HBCUs are not aware of their impact.
HBCUs "are a movement that has allowed access when access wasn't allowed," Lezama said. "A movement that instills a sense of pride, resilience that produces amazing leaders in our communities and across the world. To know many of these institutions do this without the same resources (as predominantly White colleges), is something that can be seen as a national model of what excellence looks like in education."
Major cities lead the way
In June, Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell filed a hearing order proposing the establishment of an HBCU satellite campus in Boston. He said during a June 25 city council meeting that Boston is known for being a college town, "but we do not have a single HBCU."
The closest HBCUs to Boston are Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Lincoln University, both more than 300 miles away.
HBCUs, Worrell said, are known for producing a higher percentage of low-income, first-generation Black college graduates than majority-White institutions.
"If we are serious about building a diverse workforce here in Boston in tech, health care, education, government, then we need to be just as serious about the pipelines that people get here," Worrell said.
Establishing a satellite campus is a lengthy process that could take years to complete, advocates say.
Worrell said it is not yet clear if or when the HBCU would open in Boston, and officials have not yet decided which school the city will partner with.
Boston is hosting a listening session on August 26 to allow community members to share their thoughts on what they want to see in a satellite campus, he said. Worrell will consider their feedback in his proposal for the school.
He also hopes to work with HBCUs on an initiative that would allow students at local institutions to transfer credits to the satellite school when it opens.
Officials from Huston-Tillotson University, a small private HBCU in Austin, Texas, say they are also working to establish an off-campus instructional site in San Diego.
California has the largest out-of-state student enrollment at Huston-Tillotson, said Archibald Vanderpuye, the university's provost and vice president of academic affairs. The school is located about 1,300 miles from San Diego.
"Our partners are looking at ways to increase access to and completion of college degrees among underrepresented minority students by providing them with meaningful HBCU experiences," Beverly Downing, associate provost at Huston-Tillotson University, said in a statement.
Downing said there is growing interest among students and families in expanding the school to California.
"We started getting a lot of calls and getting requests for a presence there so that the students would have a choice of whether to come out to Texas or to take courses (in California)," Downing said.
The university plans to launch the off-campus instructional site in San Diego with a business administration program in spring 2026, Downing said.
Plans for the San Diego location are underway and the school is required to obtain numerous approvals, including for the off-campus instructional site plan and accreditation, Downing said.
High school seniors from around Austin leave the Huston-Tillotson campus after attending the inaugural CTX Signing Day, part of a statewide movement to create a college-going culture in Texas.
Robert Daemmrich Photography Inc/Corbis/Getty Images
In San Francisco, officials are also in active discussions about bringing an HBCU satellite campus to the city, Charles Lutvak, spokesperson for Mayor Daniel Lurie, said.
Lutvak said he was unable to provide details on a timeline or which Black colleges are in discussions with city leaders.
The conversations follow the city's launch of the Black 2 San Francisco initiative last year, which seeks to "create a satellite campus partnership with several HBCUs, including a physical location in San Francisco, and a full suite of academic and professional programming."
Former Mayor London Breed said last year that an HBCU campus in San Francisco would "boost our downtown and our economy, while bringing new minds and ideas to grow within our world-renowned culture of innovation."
Mixed reaction to expansion plans
Harry Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, said developing satellite locations for HBCUs across the country will help increase the number of Black Americans in the middle class.
HBCUs produce 70% of Black doctors and dentists, 50% of Black engineers and 35% of Black attorneys, according to the United Negro College Fund.
Williams said HBCUs have higher retention and graduation rates among Black students.
Black students can also experience a sense of belonging and culture at HBCUs that they may not find at predominantly White institutions, where DEI and affirmative action are under attack, Williams said.
"Being in a place where you are wanted, that's the key," he said. "These institutions were created for African Americans."
Some people, however, oppose expanding HBCUs to other communities.
"You want to attend an HBCU, then move to a city where the school history and culture already exist," one user posted on X. "Our resources are stretched enough. Plus, our cities depend on the migration of students from the North."
"One of the lures of HBCUs is the historical part and putting a satellite campus somewhere random disconnects that," another user posted on X. "Especially in Boston."
Brandon Graham, founder and CEO of Our HBCUs Matter Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educational programming for high school and HBCU students, said he believes it will be challenging for satellite campuses to replicate the connections and experiences students receive on an HBCU's main campus. However, he said there are creative ways to achieve this.
HBCUs must "ensure that you cultivate programmatic models and bring in alumni for those folks who are local to then be able to share and cultivate that synergy that you initially get on an HBCU campus," said Graham, a graduate of both Clark Atlanta University and Tennessee State University.
Graham said he is confident that HBCUs have the connections and resources to expand their reach to communities across the country, just as predominantly White institutions have done.
"It will have positive effects on the institutional educational branding, on its financials, as well as on its ability to cultivate a very diverse alumni base across the country," Graham said. "This next level of satellite campuses is going to diversify and transform the way an HBCU education can be provided."
Sign Our PetitionThe recent movement to expand Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) beyond their traditional geographic boundaries is a significant development in the ongoing struggle for educational equity and representation in the United States. The push for satellite campuses in cities like San Francisco and Boston reflects a growing recognition that access to quality education remains a pressing issue for Black students, particularly in regions where such institutions are scarce. Historically, HBCUs were established in response to systemic racism and segregation that barred Black individuals from pursuing higher education, yet even today, the legacy of these barriers continues to shape the educational landscape. As advocates for this expansion highlight, the creation of HBCU branches in diverse urban centers could provide critical support for Black students and facilitate a more inclusive educational environment.
The context of this movement cannot be separated from the broader attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives currently being spearheaded by political forces, including the Trump administration. The administration's efforts to undermine DEI programs at predominantly White institutions represent a troubling trend that seeks to erase the progress made in promoting equity within education. Trump's labeling of DEI initiatives as "illegal and immoral discrimination" fundamentally misrepresents their purpose: to rectify systemic inequalities and create an inclusive space for historically marginalized communities. The proposed budget cuts to institutions like Howard University and the withdrawal of funding from programs that serve Black students underscore this administration's disinvestment in Black education and its broader implications on social justice.
Moreover, students like Kei'Yanii Dawson, who express a desire to attend HBCUs, embody the aspirations of many young people who seek an educational environment that reflects their identity and heritage. The financial burdens associated with out-of-state tuition and housing are significant barriers that can deter students from pursuing their dreams. By expanding HBCUs into urban settings, these institutions could reduce costs and improve accessibility, allowing students to receive a culturally affirming education without the heavy financial toll. This initiative could also stimulate local economies by generating jobs and fostering community development, creating a win-win situation for both students and the cities involved.
Historically, HBCUs have played a crucial role in nurturing Black leadership and advancing civil rights. They have been instrumental in producing a significant number of Black professionals, including leaders in business, politics, and education. The expansion of HBCUs is not merely about increasing the number of educational institutions; it is about recognizing the essential role they play in empowering Black communities and challenging systemic inequalities. By advocating for the establishment of additional campuses, city leaders are not only addressing the immediate educational needs of Black students but also reinforcing the historical significance of HBCUs as pillars of Black excellence and resilience.
In conclusion, the movement to expand HBCUs is a critical response to the ongoing challenges facing Black students in America. It serves as a reminder of the historical legacy of educational segregation and discrimination while also framing the contemporary fight for equity within the broader narrative of social justice. As political forces continue to attack DEI initiatives and undermine funding for institutions that serve marginalized communities, it is imperative for advocates and allies to rally behind this cause. The expansion of HBCUs is not only a matter of access but a profound step toward healing and empowerment for Black students and their communities, ultimately fostering a more equitable society for all.
The recent movement to expand Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) beyond the South is not only significant but also a critical intervention at a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing hostility from political figures and administrations. The discussion surrounding this expansion is more than just about geography; it embodies a deeper struggle for educational equity and access for Black students across the United States. As students like Kei'Yanii Dawson express their desire for local access to HBCUs, we must recognize the historical context of these institutions and the urgent need to protect and promote them in the face of systemic challenges.
Historically, HBCUs emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the exclusion of Black individuals from mainstream educational opportunities. In a society rife with segregation and discrimination, these institutions provided a safe haven for Black students to pursue higher education. Today, HBCUs continue to serve a vital role in the educational landscape, producing a disproportionate number of Black professionals in various fields including medicine, law, and engineering. The movement to establish satellite campuses in cities like San Francisco and Boston represents a strategic effort to dismantle the barriers of distance and financial strain that often deter prospective students from attending these historically significant institutions.
The alarming trend of dismantling DEI initiatives, especially under leadership that has openly opposed such programs, highlights the critical need for a robust response from advocates and community leaders. As the Trump administration has targeted funding cuts and disparaged DEI programs, it has simultaneously signaled a broader cultural war against the inclusion of Black voices in education and society at large. The recent legal challenges to these actions, such as US District Judge Stephanie Gallagher's ruling against funding cuts, provide a glimmer of hope. Still, they underscore the precarious nature of progress in DEI efforts. It is essential to recognize that defending HBCUs and advocating for their expansion is part of a larger fight for educational justice.
As Americans committed to equity and justice, there are several actionable steps we can take to support the expansion of HBCUs. First and foremost, advocacy at the local level is crucial. Community members can engage with city officials and educational leaders to push for concrete plans to establish satellite campuses. This involves not only promoting the educational benefits of HBCUs but also emphasizing their potential to stimulate local economies and cultivate diverse talent pools. Additionally, financial support for HBCUs—through donations, scholarships, or lobbying for increased state and federal funding—can help alleviate some of the financial barriers that deter students from attending.
Furthermore, we should leverage public discourse to foster greater awareness of why HBCUs matter. By educating our peers about the historical significance of these institutions and the ongoing threats they face, we can build a broader coalition that includes not just Black students and families, but also allies from various backgrounds who understand the importance of inclusive education. This involves bringing the conversation to social media, community forums, and local media outlets to shine a light on the benefits and needs of HBCUs.
In a time when educational equity is under siege, expanding HBCUs beyond the South is not merely a logistical endeavor; it is a moral imperative. It offers a pathway to ensure that Black students have access to an affirming and supportive educational environment, free from the systemic obstacles that have historically hindered their success. By actively engaging in advocacy, financial support, and public education efforts, we can contribute to a future where all students have equitable access to the opportunities and resources they deserve. The expansion of HBCUs is not just a win for Black students; it represents a step towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
The movement to expand Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) beyond the South is a critical step towards increasing educational access and fostering environments where Black students can thrive. By actively supporting this initiative, we can help dismantle systemic inequities and enhance diversity in higher education. Here are several actionable steps that individuals can take:
### 1. **Advocate for Local HBCU Expansion Initiatives** - **What to Do**: Attend city council meetings or public forums discussing HBCU expansion to voice your support. - **Example Action**: Research upcoming meetings in your city (e.g., San Francisco or Boston) and prepare a statement emphasizing the importance of HBCUs for local communities.
### 2. **Support Petitions for HBCU Funding** - **What to Do**: Sign and share petitions advocating for increased funding and support for HBCUs and their expansion. - **Example Petitions**: - **"Support HBCUs in Your Community"** on sites like Change.org. - **"Increase Funding for HBCUs"** on We the People (White House website for petitions). - **How to Share**: Use social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage others to sign.
### 3. **Write to Local and Federal Representatives** - **What to Do**: Reach out to your elected officials to express support for HBCU initiatives and demand funding. - **Who to Write To**: - **Senator Alex Padilla (CA)**: Email: padilla.senate.gov/contact - **Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA)**: Email: feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me - **Representative Nancy Pelosi (CA-12)**: Email: pelosi.house.gov/contact - **Sample Message**: ``` Dear [Representative's Name],
I am writing to express my deep support for the expansion of HBCUs into our community. As we strive for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, it is crucial that we provide our Black students with access to institutions that celebrate their heritage and support their academic ambitions.
I urge you to advocate for funding and resources that support the establishment of HBCU satellite campuses in our area.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.
Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Email] ```
### 4. **Engage with Local Community Organizations** - **What to Do**: Partner with local organizations that focus on educational equity, such as the NAACP or Urban League. - **Example Action**: Volunteer for events, workshops, or campaigns they organize to raise awareness about HBCUs and help mobilize community support.
### 5. **Promote Awareness on Social Media** - **What to Do**: Use your platforms to share information about the importance of HBCUs and current initiatives. - **Example Action**: Create posts highlighting successful HBCU alumni, upcoming events, or relevant news articles to educate your network.
### 6. **Organize Community Events** - **What to Do**: Host discussions, panels, or workshops centered around the importance of HBCUs and the Black experience in higher education. - **Example Action**: Collaborate with local schools or libraries to set up an event featuring speakers from HBCUs or community leaders.
### 7. **Donate to HBCUs** - **What to Do**: Contribute financially to HBCUs or to organizations that support their expansion efforts. - **Example Action**: Visit websites of HBCUs (like Howard University or Florida A&M University) to find donation options or fundraising campaigns.
### 8. **Support DEI Initiatives at Local Institutions** - **What to Do**: Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at local colleges and universities. - **How to Engage**: Write to your local institutions, emphasizing the necessity of DEI programs and how they can complement efforts to expand HBCUs.
By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to a broader movement that seeks to enhance educational access and equity for Black students. Each effort, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect that brings about meaningful change.