Second Morrill Act of 1890

Definition

The Second Morrill Act of 1890 was legislation that provided federal funding for the establishment of land-grant colleges in states that had not previously received such support, particularly targeting institutions that served African American students. This act aimed to promote higher education and agricultural and mechanical arts in the United States, reflecting a commitment to education as a means of social and economic advancement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Morrill Act was signed into law on August 30, 1890, by President Benjamin Harrison, expanding access to higher education for African Americans.
2. It provided federal funding through land grants specifically for institutions that served underrepresented populations, mainly in Southern states.
3. This act led to the establishment of numerous historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), promoting diversity in higher education.
4. The funding from the Second Morrill Act helped develop programs in agriculture, home economics, and mechanical arts, addressing both educational and economic needs.
5. The act reinforced the idea that higher education should be accessible to all citizens, laying groundwork for future educational reforms and policies.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Morrill Act of 1890 address issues of accessibility in higher education for African Americans?
  • The Second Morrill Act of 1890 specifically targeted states that had not previously received federal funding for land-grant colleges, focusing on those that primarily served African American students. By allocating federal funds to establish these institutions, the act created opportunities for education in agriculture and mechanical arts, areas crucial for social and economic advancement. This legislation marked a significant step towards improving access to higher education for marginalized groups, ultimately contributing to the establishment of many historically Black colleges and universities.
• Evaluate the impact of the Second Morrill Act on the development of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States.
  • The Second Morrill Act played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by providing federal funding specifically designed for institutions serving African American students. Many HBCUs were founded or expanded as a direct result of this legislation, which helped promote education in agricultural sciences, engineering, and other vocational areas. The funding not only facilitated access to higher education but also contributed to community development by producing skilled graduates who could address local needs in their professions.
• Analyze the long-term implications of the Second Morrill Act on contemporary education policies related to equity and access in higher education.
  • The Second Morrill Act set a precedent for future educational policies aimed at increasing equity and access in higher education. Its focus on funding institutions that serve underrepresented populations influenced later legislation designed to support minority-serving institutions. The act's commitment to providing educational opportunities for marginalized groups laid groundwork for ongoing discussions around access to quality education, funding disparities among colleges, and the importance of diversity within higher education systems. As a result, it has become an important reference point in contemporary policy debates about educational equity.

Related terms

Land-Grant Colleges: Institutions of higher education that were established through the Morrill Acts, which granted federal lands to states to fund educational programs in agriculture and engineering.

Morrill Act of 1862: The original Morrill Act that provided land grants to states for establishing colleges focused on agriculture and the mechanic arts, marking the beginning of the land-grant university system.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Colleges and universities established to serve African American students, many of which were created as a result of the Second Morrill Act.