Cities of Boston and San Francisco propose establishing satellite campuses for Historically Black Colleges and Universities within their urban areas.
San Francisco and Boston are considering establishing satellite campuses for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), aiming to increase access for Black students and boost local economies.
In San Francisco, city officials are in discussions about the possibility of hosting an HBCU satellite campus. However, no specific university has yet been announced for this off-campus teaching location. According to Charles Lutvak, who represents Mayor Daniel Lurie, details about the schedule and the Black universities negotiating with local officials remain undisclosed.
The proposal comes amidst the backdrop of a lengthy process, with advocates suggesting that setting up a satellite campus could take several years. Meanwhile, in San Diego, officials at Huston-Tillotson University are aiming to open an off-campus teaching location, but no specific university has been announced for this location either.
The push for HBCU satellite campuses is not unique to San Francisco. In Boston, City Councilor Brian Worrell proposed the establishment of such a campus in a hearing order submitted in June. Worrell noted that Boston currently lacks an HBCU, with the nearest ones, Lincoln University and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, being more than 300 miles away.
The potential benefits of an HBCU campus are not just academic. According to former Mayor London Breed's statement from last year, an HBCU campus in San Francisco would boost the downtown and economy. San Francisco high school junior Kei'Yanii Dawson also expressed support for a potential HBCU satellite campus, citing financial benefits of receiving education locally.
HBCUs are known for their significant role in educating first-generation Black, low-income students. They produce a higher percentage of these students than majority-white universities. This is a crucial aspect, as Black students are seeking colleges where they feel valued and included.
The discussions about HBCU satellite campuses come amidst a complex political landscape. During his administration, President Donald Trump characterized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as "illegal and immoral discrimination." However, despite attempts to terminate DEI projects, Trump signed an executive order in April that supported HBCUs.
The order stated that it will continue the work begun during Trump's first administration to elevate the value and impact of HBCUs as educational excellence and economic opportunity centers. This support is significant, as the Trump administration attempted to terminate DEI projects, including withdrawing $16.3 million in funding for the pharmacy school at Florida A&M University.
Moreover, the Trump administration has taken on DEI initiatives at largely white universities like Harvard University. However, supporters of HBCUs maintain that DEI measures are essential. The executive order's support for HBCUs could be a step towards addressing this imbalance.
Howard University, the only federally funded HBCU in the country, is facing funding cuts under the Trump administration's 2026 fiscal year budget proposal, with a proposed loss of $64 million. This underscores the need for additional support, such as that offered by satellite campuses.
In conclusion, the discussions about establishing HBCU satellite campuses in San Francisco and Boston are a significant step towards increasing access to higher education for Black students and boosting local economies. As the process moves forward, it will be interesting to see which universities will be involved and how the political landscape will shape these initiatives.
