UNCF Issues Statement on Resignation of Omarosa Manigault Newman

Urges Reboot on White House HBCU Agenda

UNCF today acknowledges Omarosa Manigault Newman’s personal commitment to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), following the White House announcement that she will resign from her White House position as director of communications for the office of public liaison, effective Jan. 20, 2018.

UNCF urges the White House to take this opportunity to “reboot” on the HBCU priorities that UNCF has recommended, including implementation of Executive Order 13779 – White House Initiative To Promote Excellence and Innovation at HBCUs; appointment of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs; and greater investment in HBCU programs across the federal government. UNCF believes that these actions are long overdue.

HBCUs make strong contributions to the country, producing skilled college graduates and bolstering local, regional, and national economies. A new landmark study commissioned by UNCF, HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, documents that HBCUs generate nearly $15 billion annually in economic impact to the nation.

The Trump administration should make good on its promises and commitments to the HBCU community. These actions must include providing additional resources and investments that will enable these historic institutions to grow their educational and economic impact and innovate for the future.

 

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About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” ^®