Adams Co-Introduces Bill to Protect Land-Grant HBCUs
Under this bill, funding for land-grant institutions cannot be paused, cut, or eliminated without congressional approval.
North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12) co-introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives on May 9, 2025 titled the “Land-Grant Institution Parity Act.”
The goal of this measure is to protect federal funding of land-grant colleges and universities, especially 19 land-grant historically Black colleges and universities, which are also commonly referred to as “1890 institutions.”
“The Land-Grant Institution Parity Act is an important step to protect funding for our land-grant HBCUs and build equity in higher education,” said Congresswoman Adams. “1890 Institutions have always punched above their weight and provided outsized benefits to their students, their research, and their communities. They know how to do more with less, but they shouldn’t have to. It’s time we ensure these institutions of excellence always receive the funding they deserve.”
Congresswoman Shomari C. Figures (D-AL) is a co-sponsor of the legislation, as is Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC).
“Earlier this year, the Trump Administration suspended funding for historically Black land-grant colleges, but did not pause the same funding for the predominantly white land-grant institutions,” said Rep. Figures. “That is simply wrong, and that decision sent a clear message about the vulnerability of programs designed to uplift underserved communities. Under this bill, funding for land-grant institutions will be treated equally and funds cannot be paused, cut, or eliminated without congressional approval. I’m committed to protecting our HBCUs and the students that they serve.”
Under the proposed law, “…federal officials are prohibited from reducing, eliminating, or suspending funding for 1890 Institutions without authorization from Congress. This bill aims to ensure long-term stability and equity for land-grant HBCUs and other land-grant universities serving underserved communities.”
Congresswoman Adams is founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan, Bicameral Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus.
