USDA Suspends 1890 Scholars Program, Sparking Outrage

WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended the 1890 Scholars Program, which provides scholarships for students from rural and underserved backgrounds attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The program aims to bolster enrollment in agricultural studies at the 19 federally funded historically Black land-grant universities. The website for the program now displays a banner indicating that it is “suspended pending further review,” leaving many students and institutions anxious about their financial future.

In 2024, the USDA allocated $19.2 million to support scholarships for 94 students, covering full tuition, room, and board. Representative Alma Adams, co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus from North Carolina, condemned the suspension, describing it as a “clear attack on an invaluable program that makes higher education accessible for everybody.” She asserted that the program exists to rectify a history of racial discrimination within the federal land-grant system.

The suspension’s timing emerged as a key concern, with the USDA failing to clarify its duration or reasoning. According to archived versions of the program’s page, the suspension notice has been in place since at least February 16. Critics argue that this decision perpetuates existing inequalities and undermines efforts to support marginalized students.

So far, the USDA has not commented officially on the matter, which adds to apprehensions regarding the motives associated with the decision. Under the previous administration, policies aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion faced significant challenges. This led to concerns that the current suspension aligns with a broader movement to roll back diversity-focused initiatives.

Proponents for the suspension argue that scholarship programs should be accessible to all students and not linked to past racial inequities. They advocate for a more race-neutral approach to funding that does not prioritize one group over another. However, HBCUs were founded due to the exclusion of Black students from predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and continue to provide vital education opportunities for underserved communities.

Adams highlighted the importance of the 1890 Scholars Program, noting its pivotal role in combating systemic barriers faced by Black students. She stressed that cutting such support could disproportionately harm those most in need. “This program is about creating pathways to higher education, not about perpetuating divides,” Adams said in her statement.

The suspension of the 1890 Scholars Program prompts critical discussions about federal funding priorities and its potential effects on HBCUs and their students. As the backlash from lawmakers, educators, and advocacy groups grows, the future of federal support for these institutions remains uncertain. The overarching question revolves around whether this suspension fosters equality or exacerbates entrenched inequalities within the higher education system.