To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2664
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-07: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T08:05:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, H.R. 2664, aims to expand federal grant funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by allowing more uses of these funds specifically for arts, arts education, and cultural programs. It seeks to address historical underfunding of HBCUs, promote diversity in the arts sector, and support the preservation and study of Black art and artists.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Congress highlights the cultural and economic value of the arts; underrepresentation of Black artists and staff in U.S. museums (e.g., only 1.4% of featured artists in top museums are Black); the unique role of HBCUs in nurturing Black art professionals; funding challenges for arts programs (e.g., cuts at 18 institutions in 2018); chronic underfunding of HBCUs by $12.6 billion over 30 years; and the need for investment to improve access to affordable arts education for students of color.
- Amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Section 323):
- Expands allowable uses of Strengthening HBCUs grant funds to include new activities focused on arts:
- Providing financial and other support to students in arts, arts education, and cultural programs.
- Creating outreach and development offices for arts departments.
- Offering comprehensive support services for arts students, such as mentorship from faculty and peers, work-based learning, guidance counseling, and career advising.
- Exhibiting, maintaining, monitoring, and protecting collections of Black art, both on display and in storage.
- Establishing well-paid apprenticeships, internships, and fellowships for arts students through partnerships with nonprofit arts organizations.
- Allows HBCUs to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to implement these arts-related activities.
- Defines "arts" broadly as forms of self-expression and interpretation, including performance, literary, visual, graphic, plastic, and decorative arts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill amends Section 323(a) of the Higher Education Act by adding five new allowable uses (paragraphs 14–18) for grant funds, shifting existing paragraphs 14 and 15 to 19 and 20 to accommodate them.
- It introduces two new subsections (d and e) to enable NEA partnerships and clarify the definition of "arts," which were not previously specified in the HBCU grant program.
- These changes build on the existing framework for HBCU grants, which already support institutional strengthening, but now explicitly prioritize arts and cultural initiatives to address gaps in diversity and funding.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Education, which administers HBCU grants, may see increased administrative demands for overseeing arts-focused expenditures. The NEA could expand its role through new partnerships, potentially stretching its budget but enhancing federal arts initiatives.
- On Citizens: HBCU students, particularly those in arts programs and from underrepresented communities, gain better access to funding, mentorship, and career opportunities, fostering more diverse arts professionals. Black artists and communities benefit from preserved and promoted cultural heritage.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. arts diversity could indirectly boost cultural diplomacy by showcasing Black American art globally.
- Overall, the bill could help reverse arts program cuts at underfunded HBCUs, promoting economic growth in the arts sector (valued for innovation and community unity) without requiring new appropriations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- HBCUs: Primary beneficiaries, gaining flexibility to use grants for arts infrastructure, student support, and art preservation amid historical underfunding.
- Students and Faculty at HBCUs: Especially those in arts fields, through expanded financial aid, mentorship, and professional development.
- Black Artists and Cultural Communities: Indirectly supported via HBCU-led exhibitions, apprenticeships, and conservation efforts that highlight underrepresented works.
- Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Potential partners for internships and fellowships, increasing collaboration with higher education.
- Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Education and NEA, involved in grant administration and partnerships.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendments are straightforward expansions of an existing grant program under Title III of the Higher Education Act, ensuring compliance with federal education funding rules. No new enforcement mechanisms are added, relying on current oversight.
- Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles by addressing documented disparities in HBCU funding and arts access, without raising discrimination concerns (as it targets historically underserved institutions).
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for HBCUs (often a priority in equity-focused legislation) and arts funding, potentially appealing to advocates for cultural diversity. It could influence future appropriations debates by highlighting arts as an investment in education and economy, though implementation depends on congressional funding levels.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (21)
Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-07: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-04-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional uses of funds for grants to strengthen historically Black colleges and universities, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-04-07 — PDF (5 pages)