rump administration suspends Agriculture Department scholarship program at historically Black colleges From CNN’s Eva McKend A decades-old Department of Agriculture scholarship program aimed at putting young people at Historically Black Colleges and Universities on the path to careers in agriculture, food safety and environmental science has been suspended by the agency, according to its website. Established in 1992, the 1890 Scholars Program provides recipients with full tuition fees, books, room and board at 1890 land-grant universities. Democratic members of Congress slammed the program suspension, arguing that it is evidence of further hostility toward marginalized groups following executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the government. “The 1890 Scholars Program is a direct response to the USDA’s own history of racial discrimination. Killing it now sends a dangerous message that equity and opportunity no longer matter. I’m calling on the USDA to reverse this disgraceful decision immediately and fully reinstate the program – no delays, no excuses,” Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson of Illinois said in a statement. Jackson, a member of the Agriculture Committee, said 1890 land-grant institutions educate over 20% of Black students pursuing agricultural degrees. Rep. Alma S. Adams of North Carolina, a member of the bipartisan HBCU Caucus, also criticized the move, saying, “This program is a correction to a long history of racial discrimination within the land-grant system, not an example of it. “I demand USDA immediately rescind this targeted and mean-spirited suspension and reinstate the 1890 Scholars Program, for which the deadline for students to apply was originally March 1, 2025,” Adams said in a statement.
What’s the rationale Behind this Suspension?
This decision to suspend the 1890 Scholars Program raises serious concerns about the future of diversity in agricultural education and the broader implications for HBCUs. Historically, Black land-grant institutions have played a crucial role in fostering Black leadership in agriculture, food security, and environmental sciences. Cutting off a scholarship program that directly benefits students from these institutions could limit opportunities for future generations and widen existing disparities in the industry.
It also begs the question—what is the rationale behind this suspension? Is it purely financial, or is it part of a larger shift in policy priorities? Given the historical context of racial discrimination in USDA policies, this move sends a troubling message. The bipartisan outcry from lawmakers highlights the importance of maintaining equity-driven initiatives, especially in fields where Black professionals remain underrepresented.
If the administration does not reinstate the program, what alternative pathways will be available to ensure Black students can still access careers in agriculture and related fields? And more importantly, how will HBCUs and advocacy groups respond to this decision?
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