Summary of HR 2664: Strengthening HBCUs through Arts Funding

Purpose and Intent

HR 2664 aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to enhance funding opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) specifically for arts programs. The bill recognizes the critical role that arts education plays in fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and economic growth, particularly within communities of color. By increasing financial support for HBCUs, the legislation seeks to address historical underfunding and promote diversity in the arts.

Key Provisions

• Increased Funding for HBCUs: The bill proposes additional uses of federal funds to strengthen arts programs at HBCUs, which have historically faced significant funding disparities compared to predominantly White institutions.

• Support for Arts Education: It emphasizes the importance of arts education in developing a diverse generation of art professionals and aims to ensure that students of color have access to affordable arts education.

• Addressing Underrepresentation: The legislation acknowledges the lack of representation of Black artists and professionals in the arts sector, aiming to empower HBCUs to play a pivotal role in promoting and preserving Black art.

• Cultural Investment: The bill highlights the need for investment in arts and culture programs at HBCUs to enhance the teaching, supporting, and displaying of works by Black artists.

Impact

• Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be HBCUs, their students, and the broader community of Black artists and art professionals. By strengthening arts programs, the bill aims to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse arts landscape in the United States.

• Addressing Funding Gaps: The bill responds to a significant funding gap, estimated at $12.6 billion over the past 30 years, that HBCUs have experienced compared to their counterparts. This funding is crucial for maintaining and expanding arts departments that have faced cuts or closures.

• Cultural Enrichment: By investing in HBCUs, the bill seeks to enhance cultural understanding and appreciation of diverse artistic expressions, contributing to a more unified society.

Legislative Process

• Introduced: The bill was introduced in the House on April 7, 2025.
• Committee Referral: It has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by:
- Primary Sponsor: Alma S. Adams
- Cosponsors: Valerie P. Foushee, Donald G. Davis, Joyce Beatty, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Suzanne Bonamici, Frederica S. Wilson, James P. McGovern, Jerrold Nadler, Melanie A. Stansbury, Deborah K. Ross, André Carson, Marilyn Strickland, Maxwell Frost, Terri A. Sewell, Jonathan L. Jackson, and Jasmine Crockett.

Conclusion

HR 2664 represents a significant step toward addressing the historical inequities faced by HBCUs in arts funding. By enhancing financial support for arts programs, the bill aims to empower these institutions to cultivate a new generation of diverse artists and contribute to a richer cultural landscape in America.