The former president of Kentucky State University is speaking up about the Trump Administration’s suspension of a scholarship program for students at historically black colleges and universities. The 1890 National Scholars Program is open to those studying agriculture, food or natural resource sciences. Dr. Raymond Burse was president of KSU twice, most recently from 2014 to 2016.
“This program is not based on race; the scholarship program is only a scholarship to the institution for students. And as it relates to Kentucky State, you know, approximately almost 40 percent of the student body when I was there were non-Black students.”
Burse said he knew several students of different races who were 1890 scholars.
“It was one that was made available to students all across the country who were interested in agriculture, agriculture-related fields and careers. And it was available to high-achieving students in terms of their ability to qualify for the scholarship.”
KSU officials declined to comment or say how many 1890 scholars are enrolled there. KSU is in Congressman James Comer’s district. WEKU reached out for an interview or statement Monday, but didn’t receive a reply.
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