Wealth and Want Part 3: Dispossession, Inequality, Underfunding, and Debt

In stark contrast to the well-endowed universities that serve the desires of the global elite, a significant portion of American higher education struggles with chronic underfunding. Tribal Colleges and Universities (49), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (107), Minority-Serving Institutions (about 700), and community colleges (about 1100) – all serving diverse student populations – face a constant uphill battle. This article briefly examines the historical and systemic reasons behind this disparity, its impact on students and communities, and the connection to wider issues in US education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Landscape of Inequality

The funding gap between these institutions and their wealthier counterparts is substantial. Minority Servning Institutions (MSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and community colleges often receive significantly less funding per student, leading to limited resources and infrastructure. This disparity stems from several factors:

• Historical Disadvantage: The legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism has disproportionately impacted these institutions. They have historically received less funding and support, hindering their development.
• Funding Models: The current funding model for public higher education often favors larger research universities, leaving smaller, less prestigious institutions serving marginalized communities behind.
• Endowment Inequality: Wealthy universities boast large endowments that generate significant revenue. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle of privilege, further widening the gap.

A Legacy of Dispossession

Digging deeper, we find historical context playing a crucial role. The very land on which many elite universities stand was often acquired through the dispossession of Native American tribes. This legacy of land theft continues to shape the resources available to tribal colleges. Additionally, HBCUs were established in response to the denial of education for Black Americans, and this fight for access continues in the form of funding disparities.

The Price of "Savage Inequalities"

The underfunding of these institutions has a profound impact:

• Limited Student Outcomes: Students face inadequate advising, limited course offerings, and insufficient support services. This can lead to lower graduation rates and hinder their academic success.
• Faculty and Staff Strain: Underfunding leads to lower salaries, fewer opportunities for professional development, and increased workload for faculty and staff. This can make it difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel.
• Community Impact: MSIs, TCUs, and community colleges play a vital role in their communities, providing education, training, and cultural preservation. Underfunding can limit their ability to fulfill these crucial functions.

The K-12 Connection: A Pipeline of Disadvantage

The underfunding of higher education for marginalized groups often begins much earlier in the educational system. The concept of "savage inequalities" highlights the vast disparities in funding and resources between schools in different communities. Students from underfunded K-12 schools often arrive unprepared for college due to:

• Unequal Preparation: Schools in disadvantaged communities may lack resources, experienced teachers, and challenging coursework, leaving students ill-equipped for higher education.
• Limited College Counseling: Students may not have access to adequate college counseling, hindering their ability to navigate the application process and secure financial aid.
• Persistent Achievement Gaps: The achievement gaps that develop in K-12 education can persist into higher education, creating further obstacles for students from underfunded schools.

The Heavy Burden of Student Debt

Student loan debt and underemployment are additional challenges faced by many young people, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Students attending underfunded institutions are more likely to borrow heavily due to limited resources and higher tuition costs. Additionally, these institutions may offer fewer career pathways, making it difficult for graduates to find well-paying jobs and repay their loans.

Breaking the Cycle: A Call to Action

To create a more equitable and inclusive higher education system, we need a multi-pronged approach:

• Increased Funding: Increased public funding for MSIs, TCUs, HBCUs, and community colleges is essential to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.
• Endowment Building: Strategies to build endowments for these institutions, such as targeted fundraising campaigns and matching grants, can help narrow the gap.
• Policy Reforms: Policy changes that promote equitable funding models and increased federal support for higher education are crucial.
• Community Partnerships: Building strong partnerships with the communities these institutions serve can generate further support and resources.
• K-12 Investment: Increased investment in K-12 education, coupled with policies that promote equity in funding and resources, is essential to ensure all students are prepared for college success.
• Student Loan Reform: Reforming student loan policies to make them more affordable and accessible can help alleviate the burden of debt.

 

A Fight for Equity

The disparity between wealthy universities and underfunded institutions is a symptom of a larger systemic issue. By acknowledging the historical and ongoing factors at play, we can work towards a future where all students, regardless of background, have access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed. While the focus of this article has been on MSIs, TCUs, HBCUs, and community colleges, it is important to acknowledge that the funding gap also affects poor white working-class students. These students may face similar challenges in accessing affordable higher education and may benefit from increased funding for community colleges and other accessible institutions.