Democrats Push Back Against Trump Funding Cuts for Minority-Serving Colleges

Senate Democrats hold hearing highlighting consequences of eliminating diversity programs at MSIs

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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U.S. Senate Democrats held an unofficial hearing to sound the alarm on the Trump administration's attempts to cut funding for minority-serving institutions (MSIs) that enroll millions of students of color, many from low-income households or the first in their families to attend college. The administration has moved to reprogram and redirect hundreds of millions in funding away from these programs, claiming they are 'racially discriminatory', despite Congress reiterating its support for MSIs in recent spending bills.

Why it matters

MSIs are seen as critical pathways to academic opportunity and achievement for underrepresented students, helping to close equity gaps. Eliminating their funding would reverse hard-won gains, widen disparities, and weaken institutions that serve as gateways to opportunity, according to advocates.

The details

The Education Department decided in September to gut and reprogram $350 million in discretionary funds that support MSIs, over claims the programs for Black, Asian, Indigenous and Hispanic students are 'racially discriminatory'. Soon after, the department moved to redirect $495 million in additional funding to historically Black colleges and universities and tribal colleges. The Justice Department also issued an opinion in December finding several grant programs for MSIs to be 'unconstitutional', which the Education Department said it was evaluating the impact of.

  • In September 2026, the Education Department decided to reprogram $350 million in funding away from MSI programs.
  • Soon after in September 2026, the department redirected an additional $495 million in funding to HBCUs and tribal colleges.
  • In December 2026, the Justice Department issued an opinion finding several MSI grant programs to be 'unconstitutional'.

The players

Mazie Hirono

U.S. Senator from Hawaii who hosted the unofficial hearing on the Trump administration's efforts to cut funding for MSIs.

Mike Hoa Nguyen

Associate professor of education and principal investigator for the MSI Data Project at the University of California, Los Angeles, who said MSIs are 'the backbone of American higher education' and provide critical pathways to opportunity for students of color.

Rowena Tomaneng

President of Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education, an organization that advocates for Asian American and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff across higher education.

Linda McMahon

U.S. Secretary of Education who concurred with the Justice Department's opinion finding certain MSI grant programs to be 'unconstitutional'.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President whose administration has been attempting to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies in schools and cut funding for minority-serving institutions.

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What they’re saying

“These funds are about providing the basic resources so students can learn, grow, succeed and contribute to our society and our economy, and eliminating these resources in general — and in such an abrupt manner — isn't just misaligned and misguided, it's plainly cruel.”

— Mike Hoa Nguyen, Associate professor of education and principal investigator for the MSI Data Project at the University of California, Los Angeles (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

“Essential programs nationwide have been shuttered or destabilized as a consequence of the yanked funding. These programs are not supplemental — they are essential to closing equity gaps for first-generation and low-income students. Their loss will reverse hard-won gains, widen disparities and weaken institutions that serve as gateways to opportunity.”

— Rowena Tomaneng, President of Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.