What Will Trump Policy Plans Signal For HBCUs?

By Stacy M. Brown
Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
NNPA Newswire

With the Trump administration preparing to take office in January, plans across numerous policy areas are likely to significantly affect Black Americans.

One involves the Department of Education which faces an uncertain future under Trump, who has proposed its elimination. This change would dismantle federal oversight on public education standards and divert funding currently allocated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Black leaders are concerned that repealing Biden’s pledged HBCU funding would hinder efforts to address historical underfunding at these institutions. 

Trump has also indicated a desire to provide what he calls “reparations” for white students, citing perceived discrimination due to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies. If enacted, this approach could shift federal resources away from minority students to focus on what Trump describes as “equal access for all.”

Here’s a look at other critical policies and potential outcomes that many might want to monitor under the new administration.

Rule of Law

Trump has consistently signaled a reduction in the Department of Justice’s civil rights oversight. His approach would likely limit the DOJ’s role in addressing police misconduct and civil rights cases, including those involving voting rights protections.

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For Black communities facing systemic challenges in the justice system, this could mean a significant loss of federal support for ensuring equal protection under the law.

Health Care Policy

The Trump administration has expressed an interest in reducing the scope of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and scaling back Medicaid. Any cuts to these programs stand to have a significant negative impact on Black Americans, who suffer disproportionately from chronic health conditions and high rates of uninsured.

Environmental Regulations

Under Trump’s prior administration, environmental protections were scaled back, impacting air and water quality in urban areas where Black Americans are more likely to live. Trump’s deregulatory stance could again see rollbacks on pollution standards and decreased enforcement against industrial polluters, particularly in cities where Black communities are at risk. 

Civil Rights and DE&I Policies

Trump has proposed eliminating many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) policies across federal agencies.

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Civil rights groups have raised concerns that ending DE&I policies could weaken protections and opportunities for Black Americans in government and private employment. Additionally, with plans to limit the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, discrimination protections in housing, employment, and education could be at risk.

Federal Poverty Policy

In previous statements, Trump has advocated for limiting welfare and SNAP benefits, aiming to reduce federal poverty assistance programs.

Restrictions on these programs could create economic strain in communities already facing higher unemployment rates and limited access to generational wealth.

Reproductive Health

Trump’s administration’s stance on limiting reproductive services, including defunding clinics that provide abortion and contraception, could disproportionately affect Black women, especially those in underserved areas.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

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Trump has indicated that immigration restrictions could be expanded, with stricter enforcement and limitations on family-based immigration, which could affect Black immigrant communities from African and Caribbean countries. Policies that increase deportation rates or restrict visas could destabilize families and communities with close ties to immigrants.

Trump’s Business Interests and Economic Policy

The Trump administration’s emphasis on corporate tax cuts and deregulation could benefit large corporations but may do little to address income inequality, which disproportionately affects Black Americans. Critics argue that policies focused on supporting corporations and high-income individuals could further limit investment in community programs, housing, and small business support.

Technology and Digital Access

Trump’s approach to technology policy may reduce funding for broadband expansion, essential for improving internet access in underserved Black communities.