Will President Obama’s new education proposal kill Historically Black Colleges? Via The Advocate reports: Some Southern University leaders are concerned that a proposal by President Barack Obama to make community college free will have a negative impact on historically black colleges and universities. Under Obama’s plan, the federal and state governments would cover the cost of community college for two years for qualifying Americans, which he says would strengthen the U.S. workforce. The estimated cost: about $60 billion over 10 years. But Southern system board member Tony Clayton said the plan would funnel students who might otherwise go to HBCUs instead to community colleges. “I think that kills HBCUs,” Clayton said. He said he plans to reach out to Louisiana’s congressional delegation and urge them to oppose Obama’s plan. “We have to send a message to (Obama) that he’s wrong on this,” Clayton said. Southern University System President Ron Mason said he’s also concerned about the proposal and what it could mean for the future of Southern and other HBCUs. In preliminary plans that the Obama administration has unveiled, the federal government would pick up 75 percent of the costs, with the rest left to the states. Students would have to attend community college at least half-time, keep at least a 2.5 GPA and “make steady progress” toward completing their programs, and the colleges themselves would have to ensure their programs are rigorous and are meeting workforce demands. Discuss…
