South Carolina lawmakers have launched the state’s first bipartisan HBCU Caucus to support its eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The caucus was announced Tuesday during a meeting in Columbia. Lawmakers from both parties joined leaders from each of the state’s HBCUs to address challenges such as underfunding, infrastructure needs, and student support.
Legislators in attendance included Rep. Hamilton Grant (D-Richland), Rep. Bill Taylor (R-Aiken & Lexington), Sen. Deon Tedder (D-Charleston & Dorchester), and Sen. Jason Elliott (R-Greenville). They were joined by leaders from Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clinton College, Denmark Technical College, Morris College, South Carolina State University, and Voorhees University.
The meeting included a presentation from the Hunt Institute, a national education policy organization. According to the institute, South Carolina’s HBCUs have been underfunded by more than $424 million since 1987.
Director of Higher Education at the Hunt Institute John Lantz said:
South Carolina’s HBCUs have been underfunded by $424,096,615 since 1987. Our goal is to help lawmakers and institutions come together to close this gap and ensure HBCUs are funded fairly so students have the opportunity to compete and succeed.
The caucus will work to improve funding, campus infrastructure, and academic opportunities for students.
This is about more than just correcting the past. It’s about ensuring opportunity for future generations,” Rep. Taylor said.
We’re committed to helping these institutions get the support they need to thrive.
The caucus has support from top legislative leaders, including Senate President Thomas Alexander, House Speaker Murrell Smith, and House Education Chair Shannon Erickson. Future meetings will focus on specific policy proposals and funding priorities.
The caucus mirrors similar efforts at the federal level and in other states, marking a new chapter for South Carolina’s HBCUs.
