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Lincoln University Alumni Sue Missouri Over $549 Million Underfunding

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 6:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Lincoln University students and alumni sued Missouri for alleged underfunding, seeking nearly $549 million.
The complaint alleges Equal Protection and Title VI violations and a $361.6 million shortfall from 1987-2020 versus University of Missouri.
Plaintiffs filed the case in U.S. District Court for Western District of Missouri, invoking the 1890 Project.
The lawsuit also invokes the Second Morrill Act’s equitable land-grant financing.
Legislator Don Calloway represents the plaintiffs; Missouri officials and Lincoln University declined comment.

History

Historical Context

In November 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act, creating Title III and directing federal aid to historically Black colleges and universities, a move championed by the United Negro College Fund. The act’s funding promise under the Second Morrill Act now underlies Lincoln University’s lawsuit against Missouri, alleging a massive shortfall.

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Story summary

Lincoln University students and alumni sued Missouri for alleged underfunding, seeking nearly $549 million.
The complaint alleges Equal Protection and Title VI violations and a $361.6 million shortfall from 1987-2020 versus University of Missouri.
Plaintiffs filed the case in U.S. District Court for Western District of Missouri, invoking the 1890 Project.
The lawsuit also invokes the Second Morrill Act’s equitable land-grant financing.
Legislator Don Calloway represents the plaintiffs; Missouri officials and Lincoln University declined comment.

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