Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Slams USDA's Suspension of 1890 Scholars Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2025
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Slams USDA's Suspension of 1890 Scholars Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, is calling out the Trump-Vance Administration for its abrupt suspension of the 1890 Scholars Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This decision, quietly announced on the USDA's website, comes on the heels of a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the Federal Government.
"Let me be clear – suspending the 1890 Scholars Program is nothing short of an attack on opportunity," said Congressman Jackson. "This program is not just a scholarship – it’s a lifeline for students who dream of careers in agriculture, food safety, and environmental science. Pulling the rug out from under these students is cruel, calculated, and completely unacceptable."
The 1890 Scholars Program was established to provide scholarships and career pathways for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) designated as 1890 Land-Grant Institutions. These universities were created under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 to counteract racial exclusion from the original 1862 Land-Grant system. For decades, the program has opened doors for underrepresented students while strengthening the agricultural workforce that feeds and sustains the nation.
"This isn’t just about funding – it’s about fairness," Jackson continued. "The 1890 Scholars Program is a direct response to the USDA’s own history of racial discrimination. Killing it now sends a dangerous message that equity and opportunity no longer matter. I’m calling on the USDA to reverse this disgraceful decision immediately and fully reinstate the program – no delays, no excuses."
The numbers speak for themselves: 1890 Land-Grant Institutions educate over 20% of Black students pursuing agricultural degrees. Without this program, future generations of Black agricultural scientists, environmentalists, and food safety experts face significant barriers to entry. The suspension threatens to undo years of progress toward a more inclusive and representative agricultural sector.
"I won’t stand by while this administration tries to erase decades of hard-fought progress," Jackson added. "The USDA must restore the 1890 Scholars Program now – because every student deserves the chance to succeed, and America’s future depends on it."
Congressman Jackson remains unwavering in his commitment to protecting educational access and ensuring every student, regardless of their background, has the tools they need to succeed. He vows to work tirelessly with his colleagues in Congress to hold the administration accountable and to restore the 1890 Scholars Program without delay.