UNCF’s Response on President Trump’s Statement on the HBCU Capital Financing Program

May 8, 2017

UNCF today issued the following response to President Trump’s statement clarifying his position on the FY 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which included a reference that the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Capital Financing Program may be reviewed for its compliance with the U.S. Constitution:

“We are gratified that the administration has reaffirmed its support for HBCUs; however, the signing statement has suggested that the administration has some doubt about the constitutionality of HBCU programs and that doubt needs to removed. The FY 2017 omnibus appropriated funds in the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies, including the HBCU Capital Financing Program, and we look forward to the administration executing those funds as quickly as possible for the benefit of the nation’s HBCUs and the 300,000 students they serve.”

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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 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF annually awards $100 million in scholarships 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 more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, @UNCF.