THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND STATEMENT ON THE 2017 HBCU WEEK CONFERENCE POSTPONEMENT

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) supports the decision of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and the White House to postpone, not cancel, the 2017 National HBCU Week Conference. Any suggestion that we are no longer advocating for a strong relationship with the Trump Administration and Congress due to TMCF’s recommendation to postpone the National HBCU Week Conference is completely false and misleading. TMCF will continue our substantive and positive working relationship with the entire Trump Administration. Reconvening the HBCU Capital Financing Board, after a two-year hiatus, is also a smart and timely move by Secretary DeVos. TMCF holds a seat on that board, and we will continue serving as HBCU advocates on behalf of our 47 publicly-supported member-schools. The series of strategic decisions are a sign this Administration is still listening to the community, and is serious about finding solutions to ensure HBCUs continue to thrive.We look forward to President Trump soon appointing an Executive Director for the White House Initiative on HBCUs, and new members to the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs. This newly appointed group can help plan the full agenda, with community input, for the rescheduled National HBCU Week Conference, and set the goals for the rest of 2017 and the upcoming fiscal year.Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund ###ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF)Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the PK-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: tmcf.org.