These city leaders want to expand HBCUs beyond the South. Here's why they say it's critical as DEI is under attack
edition.cnn.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 6:27:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: White House Policy Proposals, Presidential Campaigns, Republican Party Politics
Student life Diversity and equity Donald Trump
See all topics
Follow
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 movement to expand Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) beyond the South is not only a response to the current political climate regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), but also a crucial step towards rectifying historical injustices that continue to impact Black students. As documented in the article, cities like Boston and San Francisco are exploring the establishment of satellite campuses for HBCUs, aiming to create accessible educational opportunities for students who, like Kei'Yanii Dawson, face significant barriers to attending these institutions. This initiative reflects a recognition of the systemic inequalities embedded within the broader educational landscape of the United States, where access to quality education is still heavily influenced by race and socioeconomic status.
Historically, HBCUs were founded during an era of segregation and discrimination, specifically to provide Black students with the opportunity to pursue higher education when predominantly White institutions were closed to them. The establishment of these institutions was a direct response to the exclusionary practices of the time, which denied Black Americans the right to learn and advance academically. In the current moment, as the Trump administration has targeted DEI programs, the importance of HBCUs is magnified. The cuts to funding and the attempts to dismantle programs aimed at fostering inclusivity signal a regressive approach to education that threatens to undo decades of progress made towards creating equitable learning environments for marginalized communities.
The necessity of HBCUs transcends mere academic achievement; they serve as cultural and community hubs that foster a sense of belonging and identity for Black students. The current efforts to expand HBCUs into urban centers outside the South are crucial in countering the geographical and financial barriers that many Black students face. For students like Dawson, who express a desire to attend an HBCU but are deterred by the costs and logistics of out-of-state tuition, the presence of a local HBCU could provide a transformative opportunity for personal and professional growth. This is not just about education; it's about building community and empowering the next generation of leaders who can challenge systemic inequities.
Furthermore, the push to establish satellite campuses is also a strategic move to diversify local economies. By investing in HBCUs, cities can create pathways for Black students to enter fields that have historically been dominated by White professionals, ultimately contributing to a more equitable workforce. This aligns with broader social justice goals aimed at dismantling barriers that have perpetuated economic disparities along racial lines. As we witness the ongoing struggle for equity in America, it becomes increasingly clear that the expansion of HBCUs is not merely an educational issue; it is a vital component of the fight against systemic racism and economic injustice.
In light of these discussions, it is essential for advocates of social justice to emphasize the importance of supporting HBCUs and challenging narratives that undermine DEI initiatives. The complexities of the current political landscape demand an informed and proactive response from those who understand the historical context of racial inequities in education. As students, educators, and community leaders work together to champion the expansion of HBCUs, they are not only fostering educational opportunities but also affirming the rights of Black Americans to thrive in all spheres of society. The establishment of these institutions in urban areas can be a significant step towards achieving a more just and equitable future for all.
The recent push to expand the presence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) beyond their traditional geographic confines in the South is a crucial response to the ongoing challenges faced by Black students in the United States. As articulated in the article, students like Kei'Yanii Dawson, who yearn for an educational environment that is both affirming and accessible, stand to benefit significantly from this initiative. The drive to establish satellite campuses in diverse urban centers like San Francisco and Boston is not only about increasing accessibility but also about fostering a sense of belonging and representation in higher education. This movement comes at a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts face unprecedented scrutiny and opposition from political leaders, significantly impacting the educational landscape for Black students across the nation.
Historically, HBCUs emerged in the mid-19th century as sanctuaries for Black students who were systematically barred from attending predominantly White institutions due to segregationist policies. They became pillars of the Black community, nurturing leadership and promoting educational advancement during a time of profound racial inequality. The relevance of HBCUs today remains potent, not just as educational institutions, but as cultural beacons for Black excellence and resilience. As the article highlights, the Trump administration's stances against DEI initiatives threaten to undermine the progress made in fostering inclusive educational environments, thereby making the establishment of new HBCU campuses more urgent than ever. The historical context of HBCUs reveals their crucial role in combatting systemic racism and promoting educational equity, which underscores the importance of expanding their reach.
Moreover, the economic implications of this initiative are noteworthy. By establishing HBCU satellite campuses in urban areas, local economies can benefit from the influx of students, faculty, and resources that accompany these institutions. The presence of HBCUs can stimulate job creation, support local businesses, and invigorate neighborhoods by fostering a vibrant academic community. As city leaders advocate for these expansions, they are not only addressing the educational needs of Black students but also working to enhance economic opportunities for all residents. This dual impact—educational and economic—positions HBCUs as essential players in the broader social justice landscape, advocating for policies that prioritize equity and opportunity.
As concerned citizens and advocates for change, we must actively support these initiatives by engaging in discussions with local leaders, community organizations, and educational institutions. Building coalitions that include students, educators, and community stakeholders is vital to creating a collective voice in favor of expanding HBCU accessibility. Additionally, we can encourage local governments to allocate funding and resources to support the establishment of these satellite campuses, emphasizing the long-term benefits to the community. Mobilizing grassroots campaigns and utilizing social media platforms to raise awareness can amplify our message and generate public support for HBCU expansion initiatives.
Education is a powerful tool for social change, and by championing the expansion of HBCUs, we can foster a more equitable society that values diversity and inclusion. As we navigate a political landscape that seeks to undermine these principles, our commitment to supporting HBCUs and advocating for educational equity remains paramount. In doing so, we not only honor the legacy of those who fought for access to education but also pave the way for a brighter future for generations of students to come. The movement to expand HBCUs is not merely an educational endeavor; it is a powerful statement against systemic racism and an affirmation of the belief that every student, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education in an environment that celebrates their identity.
Analyzing the article regarding the expansion of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) beyond the South, it is clear that this initiative is vital for enhancing educational access and promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. Here is a detailed list of ideas on what we can personally do about this issue, along with actionable steps, real-world examples, and communication channels.
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Support Local Initiatives for HBCU Expansion**: Engage with local community leaders and educational boards pushing for the establishment of HBCU satellite campuses in your area.
2. **Advocate for Policy Change**: Write to elected officials and educational authorities to express support for funding and policies that benefit HBCUs and programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
3. **Raise Awareness in Your Community**: Organize or participate in community discussions, panels, or events that shed light on the importance of HBCUs and the barriers faced by Black students in higher education.
4. **Engage with Educational Institutions**: Encourage local colleges and universities to partner with HBCUs for programs, workshops, or shared initiatives that promote diversity.
5. **Sign and Share Petitions**: Get involved with petitions that advocate for funding and support for HBCUs and DEI initiatives.
### Exact Actions We Can Take
1. **Contact Local Representatives**: - **Find your local representatives**: Use websites like [GovTrack.us](https://www.govtrack.us/) to locate your representatives. - **What to say**: Write a letter or send an email expressing your support for HBCU expansion and funding. Highlight the importance of accessibility for Black students and the role of HBCUs in fostering educational equity. - **Example Contact**: - **Nancy Pelosi** (House Speaker, San Francisco) - **Email**: [pelosi.house.gov/contact](https://pelosi.house.gov/contact) - **Mailing Address**: 450 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14600, San Francisco, CA 94102
2. **Petitions to Support HBCUs**: - **Create or sign petitions** on platforms like [Change.org](https://www.change.org/) or [Care2 Petitions](https://www.care2.com/home). - **Example Petition**: Search for petitions advocating for HBCU funding and satellite campuses. You can start your own petition addressing local government or educational institutions.
3. **Engage with Local School Boards**: - **Attend school board meetings**: Speak up during public comment sections about the need for satellite HBCUs. - **Contact**: Look up your local school board’s website for contact information. For example, the San Francisco Unified School District. - **Email**: [info@sfusd.edu](mailto:info@sfusd.edu)
4. **Promote Events and Information Sessions**: - **Organize a community meeting** or event at local community centers or schools to discuss the benefits of HBCUs and how to support their expansion. - **Connect with local organizations** that advocate for education equity to co-host events.
5. **Social Media Advocacy**: - Utilize platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness about the importance of HBCUs. Use hashtags such as #SupportHBCUs and #EquityInEducation. - Share information about local initiatives, upcoming events, and ways others can get involved.
6. **Support HBCU Fundraising Efforts**: - Participate in or donate to fundraising campaigns aimed at supporting HBCUs. Many colleges have alumni networks or philanthropic initiatives that require community support.
By taking these concrete actions, we can collectively contribute to the expansion of HBCUs and support the broader mission of equity and inclusion in education. Each effort, whether big or small, can help create opportunities for Black students and enrich the educational landscape in our communities.