Whereas, "People Calling Themselves Methodists," through the Freedmen's Aid Society and The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, have established unsegregated and nonsegregating schools and colleges to assure church-related quality education for the newly freed slaves; and
Whereas, United Methodist Historically Black Colleges and Universities have an historic and significant tradition and practice of accessibility for and acceptance of teachers, administrators, students, and staff of all races, creeds, colors, and nationalities; and
Whereas, the United Methodist-related schools and colleges have provided leadership in churches, professions, and communities across the nation and throughout the world; and
Whereas, the United Methodist-related institutions have consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to recognize, nurture, and educate both accelerated and developing students to each group's maximum potential; and
Whereas, eleven (11) such colleges and universities continue this noble and spiritual mission for more than 15,000 deserving and underserved students; and
Whereas, United Methodist Historically Black Colleges and Universities serve as intellectual founts preserving and expounding upon the rich history, tradition, and culture of a people and a nation; and
Whereas, these eleven (11) historically black colleges and universities demonstrate their continuing need for the church's support in order to further strengthen their financial base and their academic mission; and
Whereas, these institutions continue to provide educational access and empowerment to students by charging a tuition approximately thirty (30) percent less than the average at other private institutions; and
Whereas, United Methodists continue their affirmation of the church's historic and noble commitment and the colleges' unique and uplifting mission through the establishment of the Black College Fund in 1972;
Be it resolved, that $46,708,480 be established as the Black College Fund goal for the 1997-2000 Quadrennium (an increase of twelve percent from the previous quadrennium); and
Be it further resolved, that the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry request through the General Council on Finance and Administration a minimum of $46,708,480 for the institutions in the 1997-2000 Quadrennium, an approximate twelve (12) percent increase from the 1993-1996 Quadrennium, based as follows:
1997 - $10,926,448
1998 - $11,426,896
1999 - $11,927,344
2000 - $12,427,792
Be it further resolved, that one-sixth of the annual request be distributed over the next quadrennium for capital improvements;
Be it further resolved, that the total amount to be distributed by the Office of the Black College Fund of the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church be based on a formula approved by the General Council on Finance and Administration, the Division of Higher Education, and the Council of Presidents.
Be it finally resolved, that this resolution be recorded in The Book of Resolutions of the 1996 General Conference.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21280-HE-NonDis-O$
1996 United Methodist General Conference