Maryland Settles, Governor Signs HBCU Equity Lawsuit for $577 Million Over 10 Years

After a 15 year court battle, discussions, arguments and a veto by Governor Hogan last year, the State of Maryland and the state’s four HBCUs arrived at a $577 million agreement. The lawsuit was filed by the schools because of Maryland’s failure to equitably fund the four HBCUs in the state's higher education portfolio. The Maryland HBCUs are Morgan State, Bowie State, Coppin State and University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.

Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State since 2017, said that the extra funding will enable the colleges to stay competitive. According to Dr. Breaux, “We are growing, but we need the additional support to build out new academic programs to open up our doors wider for the students who want to attend Bowie State University, and so for each one of our HBCUs it means a great deal for the students for their families and our communities as well as the workforce.” 

 
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Key Points of the Settlement Agreement Between Maryland and HBCU’s

  • The measure was passed unanimously in the Maryland Senate and by an overwhelming majority in the Maryland House.

  • Payments will begin in the 2023 fiscal year and disbursed over 10 years. 

  • In the first year, disbursements will be as follows: Morgan State University $24 million, Bowie State $16.8 million, University of Maryland Eastern Shore $9.7 million and Coppin State University $9 million.

  • Money will be distributed based on prior year’s enrollment.

  • Settlement funds will be used for scholarships and financial aid support services, as well as faculty recruitment and development. Funds can also be used to expand and improve existing and new academic programs.

Governor Hogan said at the signing event, “This is an important occasion and we’re here today to enact an historic bipartisan measure that will be an unprecedented step forward in addressing inequities in our higher education system by making substantial investments in Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities.”

Read a summary of the 15 year timeline here.

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