Former HBCU Students File Lawsuit Against States for Underfunding, Including Potential Action in Tennessee
Former students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have initiated lawsuits against states for allegedly underfunding these institutions by billions of dollars. The first lawsuit was filed against the state of Missouri by former students and alumni of Lincoln University, alleging intentional discrimination in funding compared to the University of Missouri. This legal action is part of a broader effort by the '1890 Project,' which aims to seek legal remedies for the chronic underfunding of HBCUs. A 2023 federal analysis identified 16 states, including Tennessee, that have underfunded their historically Black land-grant universities. The U.S. Secretaries of Education and Agriculture previously urged these states to address a total shortfall of $12.6 billion. Attorneys involved in the '1890 Project' are in discussions with various states, hoping to resolve these issues through negotiation and settlement, but are prepared for further litigation, including potential action against Tennessee.
