Maryland will pay Bowie State University almost $97.7 million over the next decade as part of a settlement approved by Gov. Larry Hogan Wednesday at the school’s Prince George’s County campus.
The law ends a more than decadelong lawsuit between the state’s four historically Black colleges and universities over Maryland educational practices that allegedly resulted in advantages for predominantly white institutions. Overall, the state has agreed to pay $577 million to Bowie State — the oldest of the HBCUs in the state — Morgan State University, Coppin State University, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Bowie State President Aminta Breaux said she’ll use the funds to push her “Racing to Excellence Strategic Plan” and enhancing educational programs. The school has not yet outlined more specifics on how the funds could be used. Both enrollment and retention have increased at Bowie State during Breaux’s tenure.
