Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Sneed, President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for State Action - Override Veto on House Bill 1260 - Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Funding
For the purpose of calling on the Maryland General Assembly to override the Governor’s veto and pass House Bill 1260 - Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Funding - as passage of this bill ensures equitable funding for Maryland’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
body
Recitals
Whereas, The State of Maryland wishes to provide all of its citizens with equal access to higher education at excellent and affordable public colleges and universities;
Whereas, Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Bowie State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are Maryland’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (“HBCUs”);
Whereas, Maryland has underfunded and neglected to support its HBCUs for decades;
Whereas, The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland found that the State encourages segregation by unnecessarily duplicating HBCU programs at traditionally White colleges and universities;
Whereas, This funding will enable HBCUs to develop unique, in-demand academic programs at each of the four HBCUs and to hire excellent faculty members to run those programs, ensuring that these universities will be able to compete fairly with other state colleges and universities;
Whereas, It is in the interests of all parties involved to resolve the current lawsuit between the HBCUs and the State of Maryland through this legislation;
Whereas, House Bill 1260 - Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Funding - passed the House of Delegates, with a vote of 129-2, and the Senate unanimously, with a vote of 45-0, showing overwhelming bipartisan support; and
Whereas, The Governor vetoed the bill on May 7, 2020.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council calls on the Maryland General Assembly to override the Governor’s veto and pass House Bill 1260 - Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Funding - as passage of this bill ensures equitable funding for Maryland’s four Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City House and Senate Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly, the President of Morgan State University, the President of Coppin State University, the President of Bowie State University, the President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.