The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reopened the 1890 Scholars program, a $19 million initiative designed to support students pursuing degrees in food, agriculture, natural resources, and other related sciences at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This announcement comes after a brief suspension of the program, which had previously shown as “suspended pending further review” on the USDA’s website last week.
Initially, the application deadline was set for March 1, but due to the recent suspension and subsequent reopening, the USDA has extended the deadline to March 15. This extension provides prospective applicants with additional time to prepare and submit their applications.
The temporary suspension of the program was linked to a legal challenge regarding President Donald Trump’s anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) executive order from his first day in office. On February 21, U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson, appointed by former President Joe Biden, issued a temporary injunction blocking the executive order. Judge Abelson cited that the language used to cancel equity-related grants was overly vague and could lead to “arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.”
In his ruling, Judge Abelson emphasized the potential for harm, stating, “The possibilities are almost endless, and many are pernicious.” This decision has been hailed as a victory by advocates of DEI initiatives, who argue that such programs are crucial for promoting fairness and equal opportunity in higher education and professional fields.
The reopening of the 1890 Scholars program provides a pathway for another cohort of 1890 schools to attend college by providing them with the resources and support needed to pursue careers in critical sectors such as agriculture and natural resources. The extension of the application deadline ensures that more students have the opportunity to benefit from this vital program.