The Changing Democratic Functions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Abstract Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) face the same financial

pressures as traditionally white institutions, and face unique challenges that stem from

historical racial disparities in funding, their historical missions and student bodies.

HBCUs have served diverse democratic functions over time, but today critics on the right

and left question their continued relevance. Here we review the changing democratic

functions of HBCUs and argue that in an era of retreat from affirmative action HBCUs

remain important to the educational opportunities of African Americans and others.

We suggest some additional democratic functions that HBCUs might play in the twenty-

first century.