Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Revitalize HBCU Campus Infrastructure

Historic Legislative Push Aims to Revitalize HBCU Campuses Nationwide

In a significant bipartisan effort, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) have proposed the Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Excellence Act, commonly referred to as the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. This legislation is designed to address the long-standing infrastructure challenges faced by HBCUs across the United States.

Joining Senators Coons and Scott in this legislative initiative are Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). The House of Representatives also saw its introduction by Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.) and French Hill (R-Ark.).

Senator Coons, who co-chairs the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, emphasized the vital role that HBCUs like Delaware State University play in offering opportunities, especially to low-income and first-generation college students. He stated, “Congress needs to take up and pass the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to modernize campuses across the country so that HBCUs have the technology, facilities, and resources they need to educate the next generation.”

Senator Tim Scott, also a co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, underscored the necessity of the act to equip students for success in a modern economy. “HBCUs have long been engines of opportunity, but for far too long, too many have been asked to do more with less," he remarked.

Representative Alma S. Adams, a senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus, pointed to the importance of the act in ensuring that HBCUs remain competitive. “The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about making sure these institutions have the facilities and infrastructure needed to continue serving students and competing in today’s higher education landscape,” she noted.

The need for substantial improvements at HBCUs is underscored by decades of insufficient funding, which has led to aging infrastructure, including outdated labs and crumbling dormitories. Enacting this legislation would direct federal funds to revamp these campuses significantly.

HBCUs, although comprising just 3% of all four-year institutions, play a crucial role in higher education, contributing to 17% of all bachelor’s degrees and 27% of STEM degrees awarded to Black Americans. Additionally, they are vital to local economies, contributing $16.5 billion annually.

Provisions of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

• Leverage public and private funding to renovate and construct new campus facilities, including academic and research spaces.
• Ensure access to reliable high-speed broadband across campuses.
• Develop facilities for community-based partnerships offering academic and social services.
• Acquire necessary technology and equipment for high-quality research and teaching.
• Preserve buildings of historical significance.
• Enhance the resilience and sustainability of campus infrastructure.

This legislative move is backed by a wide range of organizations, including higher education groups, HBCUs, and civil rights organizations. Corporate endorsements for the bill come from entities such as Goldman Sachs, TIAA, and Vanguard.

Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University, highlighted the act's potential by saying, “At Delaware State, we’ve proven what’s possible with limited resources. The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act is about closing that gap so we can keep building, keep growing, and keep delivering for our students and this country.”

Dr. Harry L. Williams of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and other educational leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of the legislation for HBCUs.

To gain more insight into the bill, you can access the one-pager here and the full bill text here.