Ensuring HBCU Representation: House Bill 203 and the Georgia Board of Regents
In a significant move towards greater diversity and inclusion, Georgia is considering legislation to ensure representation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the University System of Georgia's Board of Regents. House Bill 203, introduced by State Representative Floyd Griffin, seeks to amend Georgia's laws regarding the Board of Regents by requiring that future board members include graduates from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that are part of the University System of Georgia. This bill addresses the long-standing absence of HBCU voices in shaping policies that directly impact Georgia’s public higher education system. The proposed legislation aims to make the Board of Regents more reflective of the diverse student body it serves. This initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure that decision-making bodies better reflect the institutions they oversee.
The Core of House Bill 203
House Bill 203 specifically targets the composition of the Board of Regents, the governing body for the state's 26 public colleges and universities, as well as overseeing the Georgia Archives and Public Library Services. The bill stipulates that at least one at-large member of the Board must be an HBCU graduate from a University System of Georgia institution.
The legislation introduces a phased approach to board composition: starting January 1, 2028, at least one at-large board member must be a graduate of an in-state HBCU, and by January 1, 2031, this requirement increases to at least two at-large members.
For an institution to qualify for this legislation, it must meet federal HBCU eligibility requirements as of January 1, 2025. Specifically, the bill defines an HBCU as an institution meeting certain federal eligibility requirements as of January 1, 2025.
HBCUs in Georgia: A Historical Overview
Georgia is home to ten HBCUs, including three public institutions, Fort Valley State University, Albany State University, and Savannah State University, all of which fall under the University System of Georgia. These institutions include Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College, Paine College, Savannah State University, and Spelman College.
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Despite their longstanding contributions to the state's educational landscape, these institutions currently have no guaranteed representation on the governing board that oversees them.
The Push for HBCU Representation
HBCU alumni have long pushed for more support from the state, specifically through legal action. The absence of graduates from these HBCUs on the Board of Regents was highlighted as a significant concern. Last fall, three alumni from Fort Valley State, Albany State, and Savannah State filed a federal lawsuit against the Georgia Board of Regents. The lawsuit accused the state of chronic underfunding of its three public HBCUs and alleged that resources were consistently redirected to enhance academic programs at predominantly white institutions. The suit also pointed out that the buildings at the state’s three HBCUs were of inferior quality and that these institutions depended more on state funding compared to non-HBCUs. However, per a report by Vanessa McCray of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the case was quietly dismissed.
Beyond the lawsuit, HBCU alumni continue to push for fair representation and leadership at their institutions. Recently, Albany State University alumni lobbied the Georgia Board of Regents to conduct a thorough national search for a well-qualified university president rather than automatically appointing the interim president to a permanent role. Their petition to the Board of Regents stated:“We expect the national search committee and Board of Regents to identify an eminently qualified, sought-after, donor-centered, faculty-experienced leader to steward our revered university.
The Legislative Process and Support
House Bill 203 has garnered support from several co-sponsors, including Rep. Carolyn Hugley from Columbus, Rep. L.C. Myles from Augusta, Rep. Mack Jackson from Sandersville, Rep. Al Williams from Midway and Rep. Mr.
To become law, a bill must pass both the House and the Senate with a majority of the total membership of each house. Then the bill must be enrolled before it can be sent to the governor. The governor has a set amount of time to approve or veto the bill. If the governor vetoes the bill, the General Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in each house.
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