Book Reveals Impact of Segregation Scholarships on HBCUs

Crystal R. Sanders' new book, A Forgotten Migration, uncovers the detrimental impact of 'segregation scholarships' on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), revealing how these programs, which funded Black students to attend graduate schools outside the South, drained resources from HBCUs. Documenting the historical context, Sanders highlights that 16 states implemented these scholarships, with nine explicitly diverting funds from HBCUs, leading to a legacy of financial instability that persists today. HBCUs, which contribute $16.5 billion annually to the economy, collectively have less than $5 billion in endowments, making it impossible for any to reach a billion-dollar endowment. The ongoing underfunding crisis is exemplified by Tennessee State University, which is estimated to be owed $7-8 billion due to historical inequities. Concurrently, California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan has introduced a bill aimed at granting descendants of slaves priority admission to state university systems as part of broader reparative justice efforts. This legislative move comes amid increasing hostility toward diversity initiatives, highlighting the complex landscape of racial equity in education.