Investing in these institutions and their students is one of the most significant actions we can take to right the wrongs of the past.

However, let us not forget, we recognize that we still have a long way to go to correct historic--historic--inequities in HBCU funding.

Logic tells me that we ought to have a Morgan and a Morehouse and a Hampton and a Howard and a Fisk.

Well, you really can't oftentimes go anywhere because of prejudices that exist that are below the surface.

As a graduate of Fisk University, I am proud to Chair this first hearing to exclusively examine the State of these vital institutions since 2008.

Congress has a responsibility to address the enduring impact of slavery and decades of discriminatory policy.

It's deeply concerning that the rate of school closures has drastically increased over the last decade.

Congress and the Education Department must work together to crack down predatory schools that continue to cheat our students and our taxpayers.

These school closures can be devastating for students, plunging them into financial and emotional despair while robbing them of the education and opportunities they deserve.

Thank you Chairwoman Wilson, Ranking Member Murphy and Members of the Committee for this opportunity to share my experiences.

DeSantis is failing to protect Florida students and educators and endangering our state's recovery and the safe reopening of schools.

Our Governor DeSantis has forced districts to stop implementing mask mandates while the Delta variant surges across our State.