ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Students and alumni from Maryland’s four historically black colleges rallied yesterday for resolution to a 13-year-old federal lawsuit over disparities in academic programs.
The rally was held about a block from the state Capitol, as members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland were urging lawmakers to support a settlement of at least $577 million.That’s more than double the $200 million offered by Gov. Larry Hogan over 10 years.
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg wrote an op-ed in The Baltimore Sun pledging to increase funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions by $50 billion.”
The lawsuit in Maryland from 2006 alleged the state had underfunded the institutions while developing programs at traditionally white schools that directly compete with and drain prospective students away from HBCUs.
In 2013, a federal judge found that the state had maintained “a dual and segregated education system” that violated the Constitution.
Del. Darryl Barnes, who chairs the 59-member black caucus, said lawmakers plan to file legislation in Maryland for a settlement, which he said would be positive for the state by helping students prepare for good jobs and boost the economy.
