Virginia Lawmakers Launch State's First HBCU Caucus to Address Century of Underfunding

At a press conference, four HBCU Presidents were in attendance.Virginia legislators have established the state's first bipartisan caucus focused on historically Black colleges and universities, marking a significant step toward addressing what officials characterize as more than a century of inequitable funding for the commonwealth's five HBCUs.

The caucus will advocate for Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and the Virginia University of Lynchburg.

State Sen. Louise Lucas, a Democrat whose district includes portions of Chesapeake and Portsmouth, noted the historical nature of the moment and the responsibility that comes with representation in key leadership positions.

"Look how long it has taken us to get into these positions," Lucas said, referencing her role alongside Delegate Luke Torian. "A lot of us who are in leadership, we are the first to hold these positions. So we finally have people in place who put HBCUs first, and that's what's going to make the difference."

Lucas issued a challenge to her colleagues: "Shame on us if we don't use this opportunity to make the difference."

Among the caucus's priorities is restoring Hampton University's land grant status, which was revoked in 1920. The designation carries significant federal funding implications for research, agricultural programs, and institutional capacity.

The formation of Virginia's HBCU caucus reflects a broader national movement among state legislatures to address persistent funding disparities at historically Black institutions. Similar caucuses have emerged in states including North Carolina, Maryland, and Tennessee in recent years as lawmakers increasingly recognize HBCUs' historical underfunding and their continued importance to educational equity and workforce development.