NAACP Statement on the Trump Administration’s Hypocrisy Surrounding HBCU Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON - Last week, President Trump issued Executive Order 14283 titled "White House Initiative To Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities" (HBCUs). This seemingly favorable title hides an empty gesture in the guise of a well-meaning policy initiative. The truth is: this administration is dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the country, and the federal funding that HBCUs rely on for growth, innovation, and sustainability has been systematically eliminated.

Real investment and systemic support have been taken away, leaving behind an abundance of photo ops and catchphrases. Neither "racial equity" nor the historical inequities that HBCUs were established to address are mentioned in the Trump Administration's initiative. Instead, it engages in performative gestures intended to conceal policy decisions that have cost Black colleges and universities millions of dollars, resources that are essential to HBCUs' ability to remain pillars of excellence and opportunity for Black communities nationwide.

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, said: 

"The facts are clear: support for Black institutions cannot be measured by photo ops or public relations campaigns. We need policies that empower, safeguard, and invest in our communities. This executive order is nothing more than smoke and mirrors meant to divert attention away from the severe funding cuts and the larger struggle against equity and racial justice that HBCUs face. Slogans are not enough for Black America. We are worthy of genuine advancement."

The Trump Administration's record demonstrates a concerning trend of undermining the very foundations that HBCUs depend on to succeed, in contrast to initiatives undertaken under previous administrations that brought historic levels of federal funding and integrated HBCUs into larger equity strategies across the government.

Despite these inconsistencies, the NAACP will not remain silent. The Association will keep holding leaders responsible and advocating for real, long-term investments that respect HBCUs' history and future, not just in words, but in deeds.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.