WASHINGTON — Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) continue to play a key role in the nation’s higher education landscape despite the emerging debate in political and academic circles over their relevance, a panel of HBCU presidents declared Thursday. A top White House aide echoed their sentiments.
Participating in a President’s Forum at Howard University as part of the annual “More Than a Game” weekend of events tied to Saturday’s football game between Howard and Morehouse College, the executives were united in expressing concerns about the growing debate about the relevance of their institutions.
“It’s the wrong question, not a relevant question,” said Dr. Sidney Ribeau of Howard, who joined his colleagues in expressing dismay that HBCU relevance would be seriously questioned.
“What we should be asking is how non-minority institutions can learn the magic of HBCUs,” Ribeau said, referring to the rich educational history of his institution and its HBCU peers dating to the post-Civil War era years. Referring to the history of achievements of HBCUs in educating generations of leaders and thinkers, Ribeau said non-minority institutions should be asking, “How can they be more like us?”
Ribeau’s comments preceded a strong endorsement of HBCUs from Dr. Joel Harrell, acting director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“HBCUs continue to be a vital economic engine,” said Harrell, offering brief comments at the start of the program.
