May 15th 2024.
Monroe Nichols, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, is speaking out about the lack of investment in Langston University, the state's only historically Black college and university (HBCU). According to Nichols, the university has been underfunded by a staggering $160 million from 2014 to 2024. As chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, Nichols is calling on the state to step up and provide Langston University with the funding it deserves, in proportion to other institutions like Oklahoma State University.
In an interview with Fox 25, Nichols explained that the material condition of the university is a major factor in his call for increased funding. As a Democrat, he expressed his concern, stating, "We have a four-year institution here in Oklahoma that sometimes can't even hold classes when it rains. I don't think anyone believes that's acceptable." He went on to say that this funding discrepancy is a clear indication that there is a problem with how the state supports students of color. Nichols believes it's time to make things right and provide the necessary resources for these students to thrive.
According to documents obtained by Fox 25, Langston University has been matched at an average of 0.47:1 in state to federal appropriations from 2014 to 2024. In comparison, the 1862 Land Grant Institution has been matched at an average rate of 3.14:1. This huge disparity in funding has been detrimental to Langston University's growth and success.
In his efforts to secure proper funding for the university, Nichols is requesting $17 million for fiscal year 2025, which would match the amount given to Oklahoma State University. Additionally, Langston University is also asking for $3 million annually for endowment investments, $40 million for a new agriculture-biotechnology center, and $25 million for their recently acquired Oklahoma City campus. However, Nichols is aware that obtaining this funding will not be an easy task.
This issue is not unique to Langston University. In a letter addressed to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Miguel Cardona, the U.S. Secretary of Education, and Thomas J. Vilsack, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, highlighted the underfunding of HBCUs in Alabama, such as Alabama A&M University. The letter stated, "The longstanding and ongoing underinvestment in Alabama A&M University disadvantages the students, faculty, and community that the institution serves. This lack of investment also hinders economic growth in the state." It urged for collaboration to address the $527 million funding gap that the university has faced in the last 30 years alone.
A spokesperson for Langston University released a statement to Fox 25, expressing their optimism about the legislature's efforts to provide the mandated match funding for research and cooperative extension. They also stated that the university will continue to engage in discussions with state and federal leaders to address its needs and fulfill its land-grant mission.
The underfunding of HBCUs is a systemic issue that has been ongoing for decades. It is time for states like Oklahoma to acknowledge and rectify this injustice. As Nichols and other advocates continue to push for proper funding, it is our hope that these discussions will lead to positive change and provide HBCUs with the resources they need to thrive.
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