U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, D-Miss., visited Jackson State University on Monday, raising the alarm over the need to increase the profile of HBCUs amid questions in Washington about the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Thompson, speaking to JSU President Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers and her leadership team, said, “We want to change the mindset about HBCUs not being a good value. “He warned that there is a ‘horrible’ plan to start ranking the 105 institutions, correlating them to better-financed universities. “To compare an HBCU to Harvard or Princeton is patently unfair.” He said, “If the conversation is not modified, it’s a clear and present danger for a number of HBCUs or minority-serving institutions, in general. Sadly, this is becoming more of a part of the discussion.” He said the Congressional Black Caucus takes “absolute offense to any conversation that demeans those institutions.”
Also, the Second Congressional District lawmaker took aim at educational loan programs, suggesting that the U.S. could make them interest-free, with the principal being the only obligation. “We need to look at what a 1 percent or 2 percent interest drop would mean for someone trying to get a college education. The default rate on Parent Plus Loans is miniscule compared to other loan programs or other investments where we had to write off.”
Dr. Meyers lamented that JSU hunted for resources, with the Pell Grant and Parent Plus. However, she said, “We kept every student who was eligible academically in school through our own resources. It was tough, but we succeeded because of our commitment to the students.”
Meyers acknowledged that the entire conversation about HBCUs is flawed. We’re different sizes, have different people and serve diverse communities. If you look at the educational needs of our country, it’s to the nation’s benefit for all of us to thrive. Without HBCUs, an entire segment of the population would not have had the opportunity to achieve the American dream. We gave validity to the principles on which these campuses were set up.”
Meanwhile, Thompson solicited ideas from JSU for combating unhealthy conversations about HBCUs. He suggested that all 105 HBCU affiliates engage in conversations about their relevancy with the same force, energy and message, emphasizing the importance of the historical development of HBCUs. “We’ve survived in tough times. We must help guide the conversation or people who don’t understand or identify with the mission of HBCUs will be setting unfavorable policies.” He said Jackson State has “a wonderful story, and with twice the resources the sky’s the limit. You must continue to silence detractors with a louder voice.” Also, he’s pushing for funding more teachers, even suggesting a “Teach for Mississippi” program that’s far more superior than Teach for America.
During Thompson’s visit, Meyers also touted the university’s CyberLearning initiative, boasting of its CREATE and INNOVATE programs designed to support the campus’ iPad initiative, declaring that both help “level the playing field by using technology to enhance students’ success.”
As part of his campus tour, Thompson visited both facilities housed on the first floor of the H.T. Sampson Library.