4954

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

WHEREAS, The specific areas of deficiencies have been
corroborated by a special biracial Enhancement Study Task
Force comprised of 16 out-of-state consultants, well
respected in their fields, appointed by the State Board for
Higher Education to investigate the comparative status of
Maryland's historically black colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS, The deficiencies cited by the Task Force
impact adversely upon the capabilities of black institutions
to compete with other public institutions in improving the
quality of programs, students, faculty and furthermore
affect their ability to achieve State desegregation goals
and to increase enrollment; and

WHEREAS, The needs of the State and of public higher
education may require future changes in the organization and
missions of the segments and institutions of public higher
education, it is important at the same time to acknowledge
the dedication of the General Assembly to equal educational
opportunities for all citizens, including remedying serious
institutional deficiencies where appropriate; and

WHEREAS, The State's funding policies should provide
the margin for eliminating the deficiencies, while pursuing
simultaneously, the State's expressed goals for
postsecondary education; and

WHEREAS, The Executive Branch and the State Board for
Higher Education have articulated their commitment to the
enhancement of historically black institutions within the
State's broader goals; and

WHEREAS, Enhancement includes both increased funding
and strengthened management; and

WHEREAS, These institutions have made submissions to
the Governor delineating their needs and related costs for
addressing the deficiencies; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That this
Body recognizes historically black colleges and universities
as an inseparable part of the State's diverse system of
higher education, and that this Body is committed to their
collective development and enhancement; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the members of the General Assembly
support the concept of enhancement funding and pledge
effectve effective and appropriate means for enhancing and
improving the historically black colleges and universities
in the context of the State's expressed goals for
postsecondary education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be forwarded
to the Honorable Harry Hughes, Governor of Maryland; the
Honorable James Clark, Jr., President of the Senate of