Gubernatorial Candidates Say Investment in HBCUs Can Heal State Inequities

Seven candidates in Maryland’s Democratic gubernatorial primary hailed the state’s historically Black colleges and universities as a remedy for inequity during a forum at Coppin State University on Tuesday. “I just want to make sure the young graduates of Coppin are aware that they should be proud of this institution, and they should go out into the world and do things like run big companies or run for office,” said Maryland Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D). “Do things that are important because the HBCUs are super important.” Seven Democratic candidates pointed to adequate funding of Maryland’s historically underfunded public colleges as a way to cure the shortage in the health care workforce and inequity in education.