Louisiana Senate Bill SR185

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/10
• Passed: 6/21/10

Caption

Requests the Board of Regents to implement the recommendations of the Postsecondary Education Review Commission relative to funding for the state's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Impact

By requesting specific additional funding for HBCUs, SR185 aims to mitigate the historical funding disparities that have disadvantaged these institutions. The resolution calls for a clear allocation of resources within the higher education appropriations to help close the funding gap, essentially advocating for policies that would enable HBCUs to provide quality education and support services akin to those offered at predominantly white institutions. This move could lead to significant improvements in the operational capacity and educational outcomes at HBCUs, fostering a more inclusive educational environment across the state.

Summary

Senate Resolution 185 urges the Board of Regents to adopt the funding recommendations made by the Postsecondary Education Review Commission, specifically addressing the needs of the state's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The resolution highlights the importance of equitable funding to ensure that these institutions can fulfill their unique educational missions, particularly for underserved groups such as African American and low-income students. It emphasizes that the current funding model fails to adequately support HBCUs compared to other postsecondary institutions, thus perpetuating funding inequities that hinder their ability to meet performance standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR185 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for educational equity, particularly those who advocate for the rights and resources of HBCUs. Supporters view the bill as a crucial step towards correcting years of systemic inequity in funding. However, there were concerns voiced about the challenges in reallocating funding amid broader budget considerations, which could lead to contention regarding the availability of funds and the prioritization of HBCUs in the state’s educational policy landscape.

Contention

While SR185 seeks to promote greater equity in educational funding, there are underlying concerns about the state's willingness to engage with the recommended changes. Opponents of increased funding may argue against prioritizing one group of institutions over another, particularly in light of tight budget constraints for higher education. Additionally, independent reviews and stakeholders may question the effectiveness of prior funding increases and whether they have truly translated into improved educational outcomes, thereby querying the proposed changes' long-term viability and impact.