The Second Morrill Act of 1890 requires that states choosing to open a second land-grant institution to serve Black students, provide an equitable distribution of funds between their 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions. Data provided by The National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Survey was used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine that the State of Alabama did not provide equitable land grant funding to its 1890 land grant institution (Alabama A&M University) compared to its 1862 land grant institution (Auburn University). The study found that Alabama A&M University was severely underfunded with a gap of $527,280,064 in funding between 1987 and 2020.

For Alabama A&M University, equitable land grant funding would be vital to improving educational opportunities and resources that the University can offer to its students.

Countless concerned students, alumni, faculty, staff, university supporters and concerned citizens believe that it is imperative to rectify this historical injustice and take meaningful steps to provide equitable land grant funding for Alabama A&M University. Governor Kay Ivey and the State of Alabama must make arrangements to ensure the amount underfunded, $527,280,064 is paid to the university. Also, Governor Kay Ivey and the State of Alabama must establish and maintain equitable land grant funding for Alabama A&M University moving forward.