Over 60 HBCU presidents and other officials put pressure on Senate leaders to pass President Biden’s $1.7 trillion spending plan. 

According to a letter signed by HBCU leadership, the funds from this bill will disperse funds crucial to making institutional improvements and facility upgrades. 

“Build Back Better invests $10 billion for HBCUs, HSIs and MSIs to build greater institutional capacity. This funding includes an unprecedented $6 billion increase in the mandatory programs at the Department of Education under Titles III and V – a five-fold increase from amounts that our institutions have received annually through these funding streams,” the letter states. 

According to Politico, if the bill is passed, it would allow HBCUs to upgrade their facilities, which Delaware State University President Tony Allen says would help the institutions attract “quality faculty talent,” which is constant obstacle due to the historical underfunding of HBCUs. 

Allen tells Politico that while he is not sure how the vote will go, he has faith that his colleagues are doing what matters to retain the history of HBCUs. 

The massive letter signed by HBCU presidents urges the Senate to be on the right side of this issue and preserve the future of these schools and colleges. 

“It is a significant down payment on investment in an American future full of talented citizens who are not inhibited by where they come from or what they look like. You have the opportunity to help secure that future.”