Virginia House Bill HB853

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program Fund; unused funds, etc.

Impact

The bill amends existing statutes involving college funding and scholarship programs, highlighting the state's commitment to acknowledging its historical disadvantages due to slavery. By requiring institutions like Longwood University and the University of Virginia to participate, the legislation facilitates financial support structured around historical context. This may influence how public funding and educational resources are allocated, ensuring they address long-standing inequities linked to the historical impact of slavery.

Summary

House Bill 853 establishes the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship and Memorial Program in Virginia. This program aims to address the historical injustices of slavery by providing educational opportunities to individuals and communities with historical connections to this legacy. The program mandates specific public universities to identify and memorialize enslaved individuals who contributed to their operations and to provide scholarships or community assistance to affected families, thereby facilitating a means for breaking the cycle of poverty.

Contention

The consideration of HB 853 may have brought varying perspectives from legislative members and community stakeholders. Proponents argue that this bill is a crucial first step in addressing the educational disparities resulting from the legacy of slavery, thus promoting social justice and historical recognition. However, critics might question the extent of required funding and the complexities involved in implementing such a program—especially regarding eligibility and managing private institution involvement, which remains voluntary. Overall, the passage of this bill indicates significant legislative interest in social equity within educational realms.