Federal Government Reopens HBCU Scholarship Program After Court Blocks Trump’s Anti-DEI Order

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reopened applications for the 1890 Scholars Program, a multimillion-dollar scholarship initiative for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program had been temporarily suspended following President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting DEI-related funding, but a federal judge blocked the order last week, allowing applications to resume.

Key Details About the 1890 Scholars Program

• Provides full tuition, room, and board for students pursuing agriculture, food science, forestry, and natural resource studies.
• 19 HBCUs, including Alabama A&M and Tuskegee University, are recipients.
• The application deadline has been extended to March 15 after initially being paused for review.

Legal Challenge and Backlash Against Suspension

• U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson ruled on Feb. 21 that Trump’s anti-DEI executive order was too vague, warning of “arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.”
• Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) criticized the suspension, saying it would “rip opportunities away from students” and hurt the agricultural workforce.

Scholarship Impact and What’s Next

• Last year, the USDA awarded $19.2 million in scholarships to 94 students through the program.
• With high demand for agriculture and STEM professionals, advocates argue that maintaining funding for HBCU scholars is critical for future industry leadership.

As applications reopen, the decision marks a significant victory for HBCUs, ensuring that students can continue accessing funding for essential careers in agriculture and environmental sciences.