Story perspectives

Trump Administration Cuts $350M in Minority College Grants

9/11/2025

Center

Trump Cuts Education Grants

The Trump administration is terminating grant programs for minority-serving colleges, citing unconstitutional racial quotas.
The Education Department is withholding $350 million in grants, including over $250 million for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
While the decision has bipartisan support, Democrats argue it negatively impacts students.
A federal judge blocked restrictions on services for undocumented immigrants, affecting programs like Head Start.
Texas canceled its annual health clinic due to a $550 million cut in federal health funds.

Left

Trump Reinstates Harvard Funding

The Trump administration is reinstating some federal research funding to Harvard University after a judge ruled the prior cancellation illegal.
Harvard has received notices of reinstatement for terminated federal awards, but payments have not resumed.
The administration plans to appeal the ruling while exerting pressure on Harvard, leaving funding's future uncertain.
Higher education groups are suing the federal government to challenge policy changes, including grant freezes.
Legal experts predict the dispute may escalate to the Supreme Court after a significant ruling against the administration.

History

Historical Context

In 1978, the Supreme Court's decision in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke established the legality of affirmative action in college admissions. This ruling allowed institutions to consider race as one factor among many, impacting federal funding allocations. The recent termination of $350 million in grants for minority-serving colleges by the Trump administration echoes past debates on racial quotas and educational equity. The outcome of ongoing legal challenges may redefine federal education policy and funding for years to come.

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Trump Cuts Education Grants

The Trump administration is terminating grant programs for minority-serving colleges, citing unconstitutional racial quotas.
The Education Department is withholding $350 million in grants, including over $250 million for Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
While the decision has bipartisan support, Democrats argue it negatively impacts students.
A federal judge blocked restrictions on services for undocumented immigrants, affecting programs like Head Start.
Texas canceled its annual health clinic due to a $550 million cut in federal health funds.

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