Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Statement on Coronavirus Relief for HBCUs
WASHINGTON, DC (March 25, 2020) – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) applauds Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for unveiling of a plan that would allocate approximately $1.05 billion in emergency Title III and Title V Aid to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“The deal developed by the Senate is another powerful example of the Congress’ recognition of the importance of and need to deliver for HBCUs, PBIs and their students,” said TMCF President & CEO Harry L. Williams. “The road to full financial recovery from this crisis will be a long one for our schools, but the collective engagement and tireless bi-partisan advocacy of our community have helped to secure the much-needed resources our schools require to both navigate this crisis and continue to pursue their respective missions.”
In addition to the supplemental aid, the CARES Act also authorizes the Department of Education to loosen the restrictions on currently appropriated Title III funds. This additional flexibility will allow schools to put previously restricted funds directly to use in addressing the new challenges that our schools and their students face during the ongoing health emergency.
TMCF looks forward to Congress quickly passing and President Trump signing this legislation so that we can begin working with the Department of Education to get the emergency funds to the schools as quickly as possible.
