George W. Bush

“ Emerging more than a century ago in a segregated society, our Historically Black Colleges and Universities have provided quality education and promoted greater participation by African Americans in every sector of our society. These institutions continue to serve as centers of hope and opportunity, reflecting the belief that every student in America should have access to a college education. While constituting less than 3 percent of America's institutions of higher education, today they enroll 14 percent of all African Americans enrolled in colleges or universities. ”

“ The various founders of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities understood that high standards and quality instruction would prepare their students to follow their dreams and succeed in life. ”

“ America must continue to support these important institutions, because they provide educational opportunities that otherwise might not be available. In 1980, Executive Order 12232 established a Federal program to enhance equal opportunity and strengthen the capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to provide excellence in education. ”