Congressional leaders urge Georgia to address funding disparities for HBCUs

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp was among the state leaders that received a letter Wednesday from six Democratic members of the U.S. House — including two in Georgia — calling on states to address gaps in their funding for schools in the land grant university system that shortchange historically Black colleges and universities.

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Several members of Congress are calling on states to address gaps in their funding for schools in the land grant university system that shortchange historically Black colleges and universities.

In a letter sent to governors, lieutenant governors and statehouse legislative leadership in 18 states — including Georgia — on Wednesday, six Democratic members of the U.S. House said equitable state funding is essential for the schools to reach their potential. The letter, which was first shared with The Associated Press, also highlighted the role the HBCUs have played in driving innovation for the nation’s food supply.

“For American agriculture to remain resilient, secure and globally competitive, we must ensure equitable investment in our land-grant institutions who have been drivers of innovation,” wrote Reps. David Scott and Sanford Bishop of Georgia, Bobby Scott of Virginia, Alma Adams of North Carolina, Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Al Lawson of Florida.