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Students at Lincoln University, an HBCU, Sue Missouri for $549 Million, Citing Funding Disparities
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- A group of current and former students sued Missouri for nearly $549 million, alleging the state illegally underfunded Lincoln University, a historically Black university, for decades.
- The lawsuit challenges a 19th-century federal law requiring equitable public financing for institutions created for Black Americans during segregation.
- The case highlights ongoing struggles faced by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with enrollment, retention, and financial resources.
- Missouri officials declined to comment, and Lincoln University is not a party to the lawsuit.
- The Biden administration reported in 2023 that 16 states, including Missouri, have collectively underfunded their HBCUs by over $12 billion, with only Delaware and Ohio meeting their legal obligations.
