Virginia Governor Youngkin Keeps Promise to HBCUs

RICHMOND, VA, June 22, 2022 /BPALiveWire/

Governor Youngkin signed a Virginia state budget fulfilling his promise to support the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As a part of the Governor’s commitment to restore excellence in education, the budget provides almost $900 million in funding to Virginia’s HBCUs and $100 million to launch lab schools with colleges, including community colleges and HBCUs.

In what has become a controversial move, a portion of the funding for HBCUs is redirected from funding that previously supported students who are living in the U.S. illegally. Many of these students came to the U.S. as children and know no other home.

Supporters of redirecting the funding argue that offering state and federal aid to students who are in the country illegally only incentivizes illegal immigration. Supporters further argue that HBCUs have historically provided educational advancement for low-income American students.

Sens. Joseph D. Morrissey (Richmond) and Lionell Spruill Sr. (Chesapeake) were the only Democratic senators supporting the measure, helping it narrowly pass.

Earlier in the year, Youngkin requested the General Assembly consider emergency funding to support safety enhancements at HBCUs after the schools received bomb threats.