U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige issued the following statement today on his meeting with members of the Congressional Black Caucus.  The meeting was called at the request of the caucus to discuss Morris Brown College, a Historically Black College in Atlanta, Ga., as well as the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) generally.

Democratic representatives John Lewis (Ga.), Denise Majette (Ga.), Elijah Cummings (Md.), and Major Owens (N.Y.) participated on behalf of the Caucus.

"Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with several distinguished members of the Congressional Black Caucus to discuss critical issues related to the nation's HBCUs, and specifically, Morris Brown. 

"I'm pleased to report that the meeting was productive and fruitful.  The students of Morris Brown are my primary concern, and I assured the caucus members of the Department's commitment to continue to work closely with Morris Brown during the accreditation appeal process and beyond the decision on the appeal.

"Our discussion was also forward-looking, as we share a determination to ensure the vitality of Historically Black Colleges and Universities as a valued sector of the nation's higher education system a system that is the envy of the world.  To that end, I have agreed to a continued dialogue with the caucus on challenges facing HBCUs today.  By working together, we can assess issues facing black colleges and work together to develop strategies to help them and their students succeed. 

"President Bush and I are committed to enhancing equal opportunity and strengthening the capacity of HBCUs to provide excellence in education.  The president's support is evidenced by his FY 2004 budget proposal to increase federal funding for HBCUs by five percent, a record level of funding.

"I am hopeful that this ongoing dialogue with the Congressional Black Caucus will produce a vision for black colleges and their students that will leave no child behind in his or her quest fora quality postsecondary education."