The Morrill Act Analysis

The end of slavery through the successful military tactics of the Union in the Civil War had the single most important impact as it pertains to education for the creation of educational opportunities for the newly freed African Americans. Prior to this, it was common knowledge that educating a slave was a criminal offense. The Morrill Act of 1862, named for Justin Smith Morrill, was designed to make education more accessible to more people of all socio-economic and social classes. Only, this Act did not take into consideration the education of black people. Due to systematic racism against this minority group, it was not until slavery was abolished that the second Morrill Act was implanted to focus on this long overlooked group. In 1890,

Justin Smith Morrill seemed wise beyond his years to consider this disregarded group of people and their needs as an issue that needed to be addressed by the government at that time. Although very needed and appreciated, as it relates to the Negro Land Grant Institutions, one tends to wonder if there was more to the story. Human skepticism is a natural thought as it relates to this occurrence. What were Morrill’s true intentions? The Negro Land Grant Institutions have done wonderful things for the black community. That fact should not be overlooked. It is also important to point out, however, that these institutions have historically been underfunded from the very beginning. It is safe to say that many of the great intuitions that are now considered HBCUs, were started by white individuals. With all of the benefits that the institutions offered, the financial stability have never something that these institutions were afforded. Could these people who helped to start the 1890s land grants have ulterior motives? Were these schools destined to be underfunded because there was no other financial backing? How far have we come as it relates to this issue? HBCUs are still struggling today to stay afloat. It is the opinion of this writer that yes, these institutions were needed, however, when left up to others to care for our needs, often we are left with the short end of the