Summary Of The Case For Historically Black Colleges And Universities

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In the article “The Case for Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Understanding Race Relation in the United States Through its HBCUs” written by Priscelle Biehlmann, she uses data to argue that there are more advantages for both black and non-black students when attending a HBCU rather than a Predominately White Institution (PWI). First she discusses the how HBCUs emerged during the Reconstruction Period. Then she highlights the how court cases such as the 1898 Plessy v. Ferguson and 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court had an effect on HBCUs. She then transitions by providing distinct advantages Black and non-Black students undergo when attending a HBCU. Biehlmann starts the article discussing the emergence of HBCUs. Following …show more content…

Ferguson. This case had important, although unexpected implications for HBCUs. The court stated upheld state segregation laws in public facilities under the concept of ‘separate but equal’. This ruling limited and strengthen opportunities for Blacks in higher education. Southern states reluctantly increased funding allowed HBCUs to develop more prosperous academic programs, improve facilities, and enroll more students, ultimately strengthening the institutions. The second court case Biehlmann highlights is the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education. The Supreme Court overruled the 1898 Plessy v. Ferguson. The court declared that segregation in public education “is denial of the equal protection of the law” and said that ‘”separate but equal’ has no place” in state-funded institutions. Biehlmann then shifts to her argument that Black and non-Black students have greater advantages when attending a HBCU rather than …show more content…

She states, “The reason for the more overall positive experience for Black students attending HBCUs than those attending PWIs can closely be linked to the unique institutional climate that HBCUs provide for students of color.” She talks about how HBCUs foster a “more encouraging and understanding for Black students” (Biehlmann) because of the higher percentage of Black faculty and administrators as role models. Biehlmann highlights how the presence of Black professors and administrators creates a setting that is in tune with the “specific knowledge of the Black experience in America,” (Biehlmann). Also, Blacks are the majority at HBCUs which can help them feel more comfortable and involved in their classes and campus. Whereas if a Black student attended a PWI, the student would feel alienated and disconnected from faculty, their White peers, and the campus