The State Must Provide

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America’s colleges and universities harbor a troubling secret: they have consistently failed to provide Black individuals with equitable opportunities for success. From their inception, these institutions prioritized white students, relegating Black students to an afterthought. While funding flows to predominantly white schools, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) struggle for survival, facing financial challenges as state legislatures divert federal funds that should support them. Adam Harris delves into this history of exclusion, addressing the legal, social, and political barriers that have hindered equitable education in the U.S. He highlights the resilience of Black Americans who fought for their right to education, examines landmark Supreme Court cases like Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education, and scrutinizes the government's role in maintaining a segregated education system. Harris also discusses how Civil War-era legislation aimed at agricultural education contributed to the establishment of HBCUs, which became vital for educating Black students when other institutions denied them access. This work serves as a definitive account of higher education's failures regarding equality and outlines a bold solution to address the underfunding of HBCUs. Through a compelling narrative, it explores the ongoing challenges in achieving true educational equity.