Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are special types of educational institutions for black people. Several factors led to the creation of this type of higher education system. The first of these was freedom and the abolition of slavery for the African-American population after the Civil War. The goal of the system was to improve access to education for black citizens. However, the second one is an idea that the construction of such institutions is the result of the reluctance of white people to learn and connect with blacks. One way or another, such educational institutions were successful and marked the beginning of educated with a professional diploma for African Americans. If I had the opportunity to create my university with an HBCU system, I would include some modifications such as location, the magnitude of the establishment, accessibility, regulations, and rules.
First, my university would be placed in the capital of the United States of America, Washington. Although many of these institutions were located in the slave states of the American South, this did not prevent students from becoming doctors, lawyers, priests, and representatives of respected professions. It is important to note that students took an active part in strikes, marches, and demonstrations, protesting against racial inequality. These actions contributed to the spread of the civil rights movement throughout America. Examples of such educational institutions are Morehouse School of Medicine, Lawson State Community College, Mississippi Valley State University, Morris College, among others. However, I think the location of the university will play a role not only in the status of the university but also in its popularity. Consequently, many candidates will know about it and will be able to submit more applications.
Second, it should be a large university with more than ten thousand students with a multicultural background. The HBCU educational institutions are an important part of the historical heritage that attract a growing number of international students with their commitment to the principles of social justice. Perhaps that is why today, similar educational institutions are open to students of all races and nationalities. Furthermore, in some universities, African Americans are no longer the majority of the incoming students. In recent years, the student compound of many HBCUs has become more diverse, including representatives of various cultures and societies. Moreover, some universities and colleges are now recruiting foreign applicants. In this case, I assume that students will be able to share their experiences and learn about each other’s cultures. Such education will provide an opportunity to prepare for work, which may also include working abroad or in different cultural settings. However, since this is a university for the black population, there is a need to create a kind of restriction for white students. For example, only 30 percent of whites and 70 percent of incoming black students can enroll per year.
Third, the university should be accessible to everyone, even for large or low-income families. Therefore, there will be grants and all kinds of scholarships such as basketball scholarships, sibling’s scholarships, and others. The education itself must not exceed ten thousand dollars per year, and the maximum discount can reduce the amount of training to three thousand dollars per scholar year. This educational institution also will provide various specialties and faculties. Thus, everyone will be able to find a suitable major for himself or herself. Furthermore, the university will operate with employers from different states, so students can take internships or get a job in companies right after graduation. The process of starting agreements between the university and various employers can be complicated, but over time, it will have many partnerships and business contracts. Therefore, everyone will be able to apply, get a decent education and get a job after graduation.
Fourth, at the university, everyone should follow specific regulations, respect each other and not create conflicts. The purpose of any HBCU system college is to educate and train culturally educated and intelligent humans, regardless of race and country of birth. Therefore, no one can insult others, humiliate, fight, bully about race, country, culture, traditions, family, or financial situation. The key concepts include mutual understanding, respect, and acceptance of the neighbor, whatever he or she may be. If a person violates this code and, after a series of warnings, continues to mock others, he or she will be excluded from the university without the permission to re-enroll. Although this approach is strict, it can guarantee a healthy and tolerant student community.
I would call my approach moderate because I have based my actions on the fundamental principles of the HBCU system and implemented small adjustments that will improve the university’s functioning. I decided to leave the accessibility of the university to every student. It will provide different majors and work opportunities after graduation. Moreover, this educational institution should be large and multicultural, as it is happening in the modern world. However, there must be more black students than white to keep the cultural foundation of the HBCU system. One of the main changes that I decided to make is the creation of a university in Washington, the capital of the United States. I think this will give prestige and popularity to my higher education institutions.
In addition, I modify the system with a few conditions like location, the magnitude of the establishment, accessibility, regulations that relate to the rules of behavior at the university. It applies to respect and tolerant behavior towards each other, and failure to observe these rules is expelling from the university. To conclude, I believe that, in this way, it will be possible to create a successful the HBCU system university that can give proper education to everyone.