Will Biden’s Support for HBCUs Bring in Votes?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been important institutions in the African American community, providing opportunities for education and advancement that have often been denied to black Americans. As the United States heads into the 2020 presidential election, Democratic nominee Joe Biden has made a pledge to support HBCUs a central part of his campaign platform.
Biden’s plan for HBCUs includes a $70 billion investment in these institutions over the course of 10 years, funding that would go towards infrastructure improvements, research capabilities, and student support services. The plan also includes a commitment to increase the number of Pell Grants available to low-income students, which would benefit many HBCU students who rely on financial aid to attend college.
So, the question remains: will Biden’s support for HBCUs bring in votes? It’s difficult to say for certain, as there are many factors that go into a person’s decision when casting their vote. However, it is clear that HBCUs are a critical issue for many African American voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate in key swing states.
By making such a strong commitment to HBCUs, Biden is signaling to voters that he recognizes the importance of these institutions and the role they play in providing a quality education to black students. This could resonate with voters who are looking for a candidate who understands the struggles and challenges facing the African American community.
In a recent survey conducted by The Washington Post-Ipsos, 71% of African American voters said they believed Biden would do a better job than President Trump at handling racial inequality. For many of these voters, Biden’s support for HBCUs is likely seen as a concrete step towards addressing some of the systemic issues that have long plagued the black community.
Additionally, HBCUs themselves have a significant influence in the communities they serve. Many of these institutions are located in key battleground states, such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where the African American vote could potentially swing the election in Biden’s favor.
Ultimately, whether or not Biden’s support for HBCUs will bring in votes remains to be seen. However, it is clear that his commitment to these institutions is resonating with many voters who see the importance of investing in the education and future of black students. As the election draws near, it will be interesting to see how this issue plays out and whether it will have an impact on the outcome in November.