The purpose of this Act is to:

1. Recognize the historic and cultural significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as pillars of higher education and social progress in the United States.

2. Safeguard the financial stability, infrastructure, and academic integrity of HBCUs.

3. Provide direct federal investment to ensure equitable funding and support as part of the nation’s ongoing commitment to addressing systemic inequities and honoring the legacy of African American education.

4. Establish HBCU funding as a sustained national priority, not subject to political cycles or discretionary appropriations.

Section 1. Definitions

1. HBCU – Any institution recognized under Title III, Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as a Historically Black College or University.

2. Reparative Education Fund (REF) – A federally managed fund established under this Act to ensure consistent, long-term investment in HBCUs.

3. Department – Refers to the U.S. Department of Education.

4. Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) – As defined under the Higher Education Act, for partnership and coordination purposes only.

Section 2. Establishment of the Reparative Education Fund (REF)

1. The REF shall be established within the U.S. Department of Education.

2. The REF shall receive an initial appropriation of $10 billion over a five-year period, to be distributed annually among eligible HBCUs based on enrollment, demonstrated need, and program development.

3. Funding shall be used for:

• Infrastructure improvements (classrooms, laboratories, technology).

• Faculty development and research initiatives.

• Student scholarships and tuition assistance.

• Preservation of historical archives and cultural heritage programs.

• Funds shall not be used for administrative bonuses or non-educational expenditures unrelated to the academic mission of the institution.

Section 3. Financial Safeguards and Oversight

1. The Department shall establish a Federal HBCU Oversight Commission, composed of educators, economists, and community representatives, to monitor distribution and accountability.

2. Each participating HBCU shall submit an annual report detailing fund usage, outcomes, and community impact.

3. Annual public reports shall be submitted to Congress and made accessible online to ensure transparency.

Section 4. Designation as a Reparative Investment

1. The REF shall be recognized as part of the federal government’s reparative economic efforts to address the historical exclusion and underfunding of African American educational institutions.

2. Investment in HBCUs under this Act shall not replace other reparative initiatives but complement broader efforts aimed at equity in education, housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

Section 5. Matching Grants and Partnerships

1. Federal funds distributed through the REF may be matched by state governments, private corporations, and philanthropic organizations through the HBCU Partnership Incentive Program (HPIP).

2. Matching contributions will qualify for enhanced tax deductions under the Internal Revenue Code.

3. Partnerships must prioritize student internships, faculty exchanges, and job placement pipelines for HBCU graduates.

Section 6. Protection of HBCU Status and Legacy

1. The Department shall maintain a registry of HBCU historical sites and provide annual grants for preservation and cultural programming.

2. Federal law shall protect HBCUs from state-level budget reductions that disproportionately harm these institutions compared to other state-funded colleges or universities.

Section 7. Evaluation and Reporting

1. The Department, in coordination with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall evaluate the effectiveness of this Act every five years.

2. The report shall measure progress in:

• Graduation rates and enrollment.

• Campus infrastructure improvements.

• Job placement and economic mobility of graduates.

• Community development outcomes tied to HBCU engagement.

Section 8. Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act for each fiscal year after FY2027.

Section 9. Effective Date

This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage and enactment.