WHEREAS, each of the five historically black colleges and universities in the Commonwealth—Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Virginia University of Lynchburg—have, since their respective foundings, made innumerable contributions to their local communities and to the Commonwealth and the United States in many different ways, including by conducting world-class research and producing alumni of keen intellect and high character; and

WHEREAS, each such institution faces unique challenges that, if not addressed, could jeopardize their sustained success and thus the continuation of their invaluable societal contributions; and

WHEREAS, for example, as detailed in a September 18, 2023, letter from the U.S. Secretaries of Education and Agriculture to the Governor of Virginia, Virginia State University, which is the Commonwealth's second land grant university established pursuant to the federal Morrill Act of 1890, has historically not received an equitable distribution of state funds in comparison to the Commonwealth's first land grant established pursuant to the federal Morrill Act of 1862, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, despite requirements in the Morrill Act of 1890 to provide for such an equitable distribution; and

WHEREAS, it is now imperative to determine the full scope of such unique challenges and to devise a proactive plan for addressing them and ensuring that such institutions thrive well into the future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint committee of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education and Health be established to study the challenges faced by and effective strategies for ensuring the sustainable, long-term success of the five historically black colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. The joint committee shall have a total membership of eight members, consisting of five members of the House Committee on Education to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates upon the recommendation of the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and three members of the Senate Committee on Education and Health to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules upon the recommendation of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Health. The joint committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership.

In conducting its study, the joint committee shall discuss, adopt, and recommend to the Governor and the General Assembly for formal recognition and endorsement a comprehensive statewide HBCU Support Plan.

Administrative staff support shall be provided by the Office of the Clerk of the House of Delegates. Legal, research, policy analysis, and other services as requested by the joint committee shall be provided by the Division of Legislative Services and, with such funds as may be provided for such purpose pursuant to the general appropriation act, pursuant to a contract with an external consultant. Technical assistance shall be provided by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, and the five historically black colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint committee for this study, upon request.

The joint committee shall be limited to four meetings for the 2024 interim. Approval for unbudgeted nonmember-related expenses shall require the written authorization of the chairman of the joint committee and the respective Clerk. If a companion joint resolution of the other chamber is agreed to, written authorization of both Clerks shall be required.

No recommendation of the joint committee shall be adopted if a majority of the House members or a majority of the Senate members of the joint committee (i) vote against the recommendation and (ii) vote for the recommendation to fail notwithstanding the majority vote of the joint committee.

The joint committee shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2024, and the chairman shall submit an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems. The executive summary shall state whether the joint committee intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and the report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may approve or disapprove expenditures for this study, extend or delay the period for the conduct of the study, or authorize additional meetings during the 2024 interim.