Universities are having a tough time under the second Trump administration.

From elite private schools like Harvard and Columbia to state schools and community colleges, the nation’s institutions of higher learning are on high alert about cuts to federal funding and grants and even, in the case of Columbia, threats of stripping the university’s accreditation status.

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are no exception. These approximately 107 schools — public and private schools, big research institutions, and small liberal arts colleges — make up only 3 percent of the country’s colleges and universities, but they enroll 10 percent of all Black students and produce almost 20 percent of all Black graduates.

President Donald Trump pledged “to promote excellence and innovation” at HBCUs in an April executive order, as he did in his first term. But soon after issuing his executive order, the White House announced funding cuts to Howard University, the nation’s second-ranked HBCU.

Against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s assault on the Department of Education and diversity initiatives across the government (and private sector), the move has prompted concern among many Black academic leaders about the sustainability of their schools.

Mark Brown, president of Tuskegee University in Alabama, joined Today, Explained guest host Jonquilyn Hill to share his perspective on how Black universities — especially those in Republican-controlled states — can navigate the uncertainty of this administration.

The university was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881. US News & World Report ranked it No. 3 among HBCUs overall, tied with Florida A&M University.

Below is an excerpt of the conversation, edited for length and clarity.........

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