What is the purpose of the HBCU Caucus in South Carolina?

The caucus aims to support South Carolina's eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

When was the HBCU Caucus officially announced?

The caucus was officially announced on Tuesday during a meeting held in Columbia.

How much underfunding have South Carolina's HBCUs experienced since 1987?

South Carolina's HBCUs have experienced underfunding exceeding $424 million since 1987.

What will future meetings of the caucus focus on?

Future meetings will focus on specific policy proposals and funding priorities.

October 23, 2025

South Carolina Launches First Bipartisan HBCU Caucus

Columbia, October 23, 2025

News Summary

South Carolina lawmakers have officially launched the state’s first bipartisan HBCU Caucus, aimed at supporting the eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the state. Announced during a meeting in Columbia, significant legislative backing was demonstrated as representatives discussed the need for improved funding and resources for these institutions, which have faced over $424 million in underfunding since 1987. The initiative includes future meetings to focus on policy proposals and funding priorities.

Columbia

South Carolina lawmakers officially announced the state’s first bipartisan HBCU Caucus on Tuesday, aiming to support the eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the state. The caucus was introduced during a meeting in Columbia attended by representatives from both political parties.

Lawmakers present included Rep. Hamilton Grant (D-Richland), Rep. Bill Taylor (R-Aiken & Lexington), Sen. Deon Tedder (D-Charleston & Dorchester), and Sen. Jason Elliott (R-Greenville). Important leaders representing the eight HBCUs also attended, comprising Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clinton College, Denmark Technical College, Morris College, South Carolina State University, and Voorhees University.

The information session featured a presentation by the Hunt Institute, a national education policy organization. According to the Hunt Institute, South Carolina’s HBCUs have faced underfunding exceeding $424 million since 1987. John Lantz, the organization’s Director of Higher Education, indicated that the caucus is focused on improving funding, campus infrastructure, and academic opportunities for students at these institutions.

High-level legislative backing for the caucus was visible, with support from Senate President Thomas Alexander, House Speaker Murrell Smith, and House Education Chair Shannon Erickson. Future meetings scheduled for the caucus will concentrate on developing specific policy proposals and funding priorities.

This initiative aligns with similar actions at the federal level and in other states, marking what proponents view as a significant new chapter for South Carolina’s HBCUs. Coinciding with this announcement was the celebration of the fourth annual HBCU Day at the State House by the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, which honors the contributions of the state’s HBCUs.

Omi Bell, the CEO of Black Girl Ventures, played a pivotal role during a joint press conference where she emphasized the need for supporting entrepreneurship among HBCU students. Senator Deon Tedder emphasized the essential role HBCUs play as incubators for change-makers and reiterated the need for adequate resources to enhance educational opportunities.

Personal experiences shared by Tedder from his time at South Carolina State University underscored the direct impact of these institutions on the lives of young learners. Additionally, students had the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding challenges faced at HBCUs, highlighting the relevance of such institutions in their educational journeys.

State Representative Annie McDaniel noted the persistent funding challenges and infrastructure issues that HBCUs encounter, advocating strongly for increased support and resources. This event provided an essential platform for students to engage directly with state leaders about their experiences in higher education and inspire future changes that will benefit all HBCUs in the state.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the HBCU Caucus in South Carolina?: The caucus aims to support South Carolina’s eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
When was the HBCU Caucus officially announced?: The caucus was officially announced on Tuesday during a meeting held in Columbia.
Who were some of the lawmakers present at the caucus announcement?: Lawmakers included Rep. Hamilton Grant (D-Richland), Rep. Bill Taylor (R-Aiken & Lexington), Sen. Deon Tedder (D-Charleston & Dorchester), and Sen. Jason Elliott (R-Greenville).
How much underfunding have South Carolina’s HBCUs experienced since 1987?: South Carolina’s HBCUs have experienced underfunding exceeding $424 million since 1987.
What will future meetings of the caucus focus on?: Future meetings will focus on specific policy proposals and funding priorities.

Key Features of South Carolina’s New HBCU Caucus

Feature	Description
Launch Date	Tuesday, during a meeting in Columbia
Number of HBCUs Supported	Eight
Reported Underfunding	Over $424 million since 1987
Future Focus	Policy proposals and funding priorities
High-level Support	Senate President, House Speaker, House Education Chair