This week’s Democratic presidential debate at Texas Southern University (TSU) will surely provide national exposure for historically Black colleges and universities, and potentially force the candidates to address issues of race and access to higher education.
While much of the discussion leading up to Thursday night’s debate in Houston has focused on which of the nearly two dozen candidates made the cut to appear on stage, it is also of significance that the event is taking place at the public HBCU that boasts a student population of more than 10,000.
HBCU experts argue that the televised event will not only provide positive exposure for TSU, but help educate viewers on the relevance and impact of HBCUs in general.
Although the debate venue seats approximately 7,200, Dr. Robert T. Palmer, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University, said that he hopes students, faculty and members of the community will be among those in the audience. He said it is likely that questions about HBCUs will be asked of the candidates.
“The most critical [question] is funding,” said Palmer. “Making sure that candidates are talking about the ways in which HBCUs could have greater access to funding opportunities to develop and enhance infrastructure and also grant opportunities for research. Not only do HBCUs need additional resources for infrastructure, but also having ways in which that money can be used for scholarships.” 
U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California, a presidential candidate who will take part in Thursday’s debate, is a graduate of Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, D.C. Palmer, who researches and writes about HBCUs, said Harris is well-equipped to answer questions about the viability and contemporary relevance of HBCU institutions.
“Also, talking about the modern-day struggles of HBCUs and how the Democratic platform and a candidate can use their leverage to promote HBCUs and help facilitate their sustainability,” he said.
