Just days after former President Donald Trump confidently told a national audience that historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) had “nothing to worry about” when it comes to federal funding, a new budget proposal from his team is telling a much different story.

At the heart of the controversy is Howard University — the only federally chartered HBCU and one of the most influential institutions in Black higher education. Under the proposed 2026 federal budget, Howard stands to lose $64 million in funding, a sharp reduction that has sent ripples through the HBCU community.

The White House claims this rollback reflects a return to “sustainable” funding levels from 2021, noting that the 2025 budget included a one-time, $300 million federal commitment for a new hospital on campus. But to many, including Howard’s administration, the proposed cut feels like more than just an accounting decision — it feels like a betrayal.

Words Don’t Match the Policy

At a recent NewsNation town hall, Trump responded to a question from media personality Stephen A. Smith — a known Trump sympathizer — about whether HBCUs should be worried about funding under his leadership. Trump assured viewers there was no threat, citing his past actions and framing himself as a champion for Black colleges.

However, the stark contrast between those words and this budget proposal is raising alarms, especially considering the broader pattern of attacks on educational equity and diversity initiatives coming from his political circle.

Howard Responds

In a formal statement, Howard University expressed disappointment while reaffirming its mission:

“The University is aware of the Trump Administration’s proposed funding recommendations… As a leading HBCU, Howard has since its founding in 1867 cultivated talent, unlocked opportunity, and contributed mightily to every sector of American life.”

Howard emphasized its ongoing role as a top-tier research institution and as a leader in economic mobility for Black students. “We look forward to engaging with policymakers to sustain the FY 2026 budget at least at the level of FY 2025,” the statement continued, underscoring the school’s readiness to advocate for its future.

A Pattern of Concern

This budget battle is bigger than Howard. HBCU leaders across the country are watching closely, especially amid ongoing concerns about potential threats to the Department of Education and federally supported diversity initiatives.

The deeper worry is that if a school as prominent as Howard can have its funding threatened, what might be in store for smaller HBCUs that don’t have the same level of visibility or federal status?

The Bottom Line

For HBCU advocates and alumni, the latest budget proposal is a sobering reminder that promises on the campaign trail don’t always survive in Washington. As this debate unfolds, HBCU Original will continue to follow the money — and the message — to ensure our community stays informed and empowered.

Florida A&M University, the state’s only public historically Black university, is entering a new chapter as its Board of Trustees voted Friday to appoint telecom executive Marva Johnson as its next president. Johnson, a vice president at Charter Communications and a former appointee of Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Florida Board of Education, secured the role with an 8-4 vote—despite intense opposition from students, alumni, and faculty.

Her appointment follows a highly charged and divisive search process that many critics say lacked transparency and community input. Johnson’s limited experience in higher education and her political ties to DeSantis—whose administration has drawn fire for rolling back diversity initiatives and restricting African American history instruction—have fueled protests on campus and beyond.

Supporters argue that Johnson’s political connections could prove strategic, helping FAMU navigate Tallahassee’s Republican-controlled legislature at a time of funding uncertainty. Critics, however, question whether those same ties will compromise the university’s core mission as an HBCU.

“I’m not a Trojan Horse,” Johnson told a skeptical audience at a public forum earlier this week. “I was not sent here to dismantle FAMU.”

If confirmed by the state’s Board of Governors, Johnson could earn up to $750,000 annually—more than $150,000 above her predecessor’s salary. That figure has only added to concerns about the direction of the search and what it signals about university leadership priorities.

Board Chair Kristin Harper, who voted against Johnson’s selection and was later removed from leading contract negotiations, expressed disappointment in the process. “There was a lack of intellectual depth and a gap in cultural connection that was just painfully blatant,” she said.

Johnson’s appointment also comes amid broader efforts by Gov. DeSantis to reshape Florida’s higher education system, often favoring politically aligned candidates over those with academic credentials. If confirmed, Johnson will join a growing number of university leaders in Florida with close ties to the governor.

Jamal Brown, the board’s faculty representative who voted in favor of Johnson, defended the decision: “Our survival depends on how we navigate those systems. If we don’t have leadership that can operate within it, we fall further behind.”

Still, resistance within the FAMU community remains strong. More than 13,000 individuals signed a petition opposing Johnson’s nomination ahead of the board’s vote. During public comment, speakers warned that donor support could be jeopardized, and accused the board of disregarding student and alumni voices.

Prominent FAMU alumnus and film producer Will Packer called the decision “a recipe for disaster,” adding that other notable alumni—including rapper Common, singer K. Michelle, and comedian Roy Wood Jr.—also oppose the appointment.

FAMU’s new student body vice president, Kennedy Williams, echoed the sentiment. “The students are the heart and soul of FAMU and it’s important that they feel as if they’re heard,” she said. “Unfortunately, they weren’t today.”

Concerns about political interference heightened last month after a leaked list of finalists circulated, sparking speculation that Johnson was added late in the process. Tensions escalated further when Trustee Earnie Ellison resigned after calling for a pause in the search to address community concerns. The day before Friday’s vote, Alan Levine—a DeSantis ally and member of the search committee and Board of Governors—nominated a local McDonald’s franchise owner to fill a board vacancy, prompting further scrutiny.

Leon County Commissioner and FAMU instructor Al Lawson criticized the process, calling it “hanky panky.”

Levine, in an interview, denied any political interference, calling rumors about Johnson’s last-minute inclusion “patently false.” He defended her qualifications and cited successful presidencies by other nontraditional candidates, including former Florida State University President and House Speaker John Thrasher.

FAMU continues to recover from past leadership turmoil, including a national scandal involving a fake $237 million donation under Johnson’s predecessor, Larry Robinson, who resigned last year.

State Senator and FAMU alumnus Shevrin Jones urged unity despite lingering frustrations. “FAMU is not a Fortune 500 company,” he said, “but if Johnson can use her political background to address historic underfunding, it may offer some benefit.” Still, he cautioned that political access must not come at the cost of cultural understanding or academic leadership.

“FAMU has survived far worse than this,” Jones said. “As Marva comes in, the first order of business for her is to unite the university.”

Whether you’re repping your Greek letters, planning a student org trip, or making memories with your HBCU family—HBCU Original curated the top amusement parks across the country organized by region for easy trip planning!

🔹 SOUTHEAST REGION

Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi

🎡 1. Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, Bethune-Cookman, Edward Waters

🎬 2. Universal Orlando – Orlando, FL

• Nearby: Same as above

🌊 3. Myrtle Waves Water Park – Myrtle Beach, SC

• Nearby: South Carolina State, Claflin, Allen University

🎢 4. Six Flags Over Georgia – Atlanta, GA

• Nearby: Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Fort Valley State

🎠 5. Wild Adventures – Valdosta, GA

• Nearby: Albany State, Savannah State

🌀 6. Island H2O Water Park – Kissimmee, FL

• Nearby: FAMU, BCU

💦 7. Geyser Falls – Choctaw, MS

• Nearby: Jackson State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State

🔸 MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania

🎢 1. Six Flags America – Upper Marlboro, MD

• Nearby: Bowie State, Howard, Morgan State, Coppin State

🏰 2. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, VA

• Nearby: Hampton University, Norfolk State

🎡 3. Kings Dominion – Doswell, VA

• Nearby: Virginia State, Virginia Union

🍫 4. Hersheypark – Hershey, PA

• Nearby: Cheyney University, Lincoln University (PA), Delaware State University

🔹 SOUTHWEST REGION

Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas

🎢 1. Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, TX

• Nearby: Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern, Huston-Tillotson

🎠 2. Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah, TX

• Nearby: Texas Southern University

🤠 3. Frontier City – Oklahoma City, OK

• Nearby: Langston University

🏖️ 4. Magic Springs Theme & Water Park – Hot Springs, AR

• Nearby: Philander Smith, Arkansas Baptist, UAPB

🔸 MIDWEST REGION

Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan

🎡 1. Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH

• Nearby: Central State, Wilberforce University

🎢 2. Six Flags St. Louis – Eureka, MO

• Nearby: Lincoln University (MO), Harris-Stowe State University

🔹 NORTHEAST REGION

New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts

🧀 1. Nickelodeon Universe – American Dream, East Rutherford, NJ

• Nearby: Lincoln (PA), Cheyney, Delaware State (road trip)

🎁 BONUS TRAVEL TIPS (from HBCU Original):

• 🎓 Look out for HBCU Day and College Nights at theme parks

• 🧳 Organize student group or alumni chapter rates early

• 📸 Don’t forget to tag your trip: #HBCUOriginalTravels #DivineNineOnTheMove #HBCUFamilyTrips

• 🎟️ Ask about Greek Discounts and Spring Break Specials

• 🚐 Perfect for student orgs, youth programs, and summer mentorship camps

By Mary Boyte | Mississippi Clarion Ledger | May 7, 2025

Jackson State University is once again facing leadership upheaval. President Marcus Thompson has officially resigned, becoming the second JSU president to step down in just two years.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) confirmed Thompson’s immediate resignation in a brief statement released Wednesday, May 7. No reason for his departure was given.

Thompson, the university’s ninth president in the past 15 years (including interim roles), leaves amid continued turbulence at Mississippi’s largest HBCU. His predecessor, Thomas K. Hudson, also resigned in 2023 following a faculty vote of no confidence and a period of administrative leave.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, has been appointed interim president.

A Controversial Appointment

Thompson’s path to the presidency sparked controversy from the beginning. Promoted internally by the IHL—where he previously served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer—his appointment bypassed the national search process. This decision drew criticism from JSU faculty and alumni who favored Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, the acting president at the time.

During the November 2023 IHL board meeting, Thompson’s appointment was made behind closed doors, followed by unannounced applause. It was only later revealed that he had been named the university’s 13th permanent president, despite not being one of the 79 official applicants.

That same day, JSU Chief of Staff Debra Mays-Jackson filed a federal lawsuit alleging sex discrimination after being denied an interview. She later filed a second suit in May 2024, claiming Title VII violations and stating that the IHL’s internal hiring practices have only benefited male candidates.

Court filings also alleged misconduct involving former president Hudson, including that he sent an explicit image to a female staff member. Mays-Jackson claimed that Thompson—despite being friends with Hudson—led the investigation but failed to interview the employee involved.

Thompson’s Perspective

In a February 2024 interview with the Clarion Ledger, Thompson defended his internal promotion, stating, “Every time an internal promotion has occurred, great things have happened.” He expressed no concerns about the appointment process or bypassing a national search.

Thompson’s resignation comes just days after JSU’s spring commencement.

His departure is another reminder of the challenges facing the university and the IHL’s presidential appointment process. Denise Jones Gregory now steps into the interim role as JSU prepares for another search—and possibly more scrutiny.

DOVER, DE – Delaware State University is making a bold move to transform its athletic programs, requesting a $125 million investment over the next four years to overhaul and modernize its sports facilities. In addition to this capital funding, the university is also seeking $10 million to support general operational costs.

The ambitious $125 million plan is structured into three key phases: a $25 million indoor fieldhouse, $10 million in stadium and downtown facility improvements, and a $90 million convocation center.

Tony Tucker, Senior Associate Vice President of Athletics and Director of Athletics, emphasized the transformative nature of the proposal.

“We’re at the beginning stages of a full athletic transformation—the first of its kind for Delaware State University. And the timing couldn’t be more important,” said Tucker.

He noted that the university’s existing athletic infrastructure is outdated, limiting competitiveness and recruitment potential.

“Our newest athletic building is the wellness and recreation center, completed around 1908. The stadium dates back to the 1970s,” Tucker added.

University officials presented the proposal to the Bond Committee last week as part of ongoing discussions surrounding the fiscal year 2026 budget. Alongside the $125 million request for capital improvements, they are asking for $10 million in additional funding for operational support.

While the proposal has drawn support, lawmakers remain cautious amid tight budget considerations.

“I’m not sure that that money will be available this year,” said Senator Trey Paradee (D-District 17), “but we really do need to bring DSU’s facilities up another level.”

The university’s request comes during a period of remarkable institutional growth. Anas Ben Addi, DSU’s Vice President of Finance, pointed to a 25% increase in student enrollment over the last five years and a 41% expansion in campus footprint, thanks in part to the Wesley College acquisition and a growing presence in Wilmington.

“This growth reflects the need for greater investment,” said Ben Addi.

Tucker also noted a surge in momentum and national attention following the recent hiring of NFL star DeSean Jackson as the Hornets’ new head football coach.

“That hire energized the university, the state, and even brought national eyes to DSU,” Tucker said. “It’s the right time to capitalize on that attention.”

The state’s fiscal year 2026 budget is expected to be finalized by June. Until then, DSU officials remain hopeful that their transformational vision for athletics will be backed by the necessary funding.

Story reported by Tiffani Amber, WBOC News.