Summary
Earl Richardson, former president of Morgan State University, helped lead a lawsuit against the state of Maryland over unequal funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The case, which started in 2006 and settled in 2021, resulted in Maryland agreeing to provide $577 million to four HBCUs. Richardson was known for his deep understanding of history and his efforts to address inequalities in education funding.
Key Facts
- Earl Richardson was the president of Morgan State University from 1984 to 2010.
- He played a key role in a lawsuit about funding disparities for HBCUs in Maryland.
- The lawsuit started in 2006 and settled in 2021, awarding $577 million to four HBCUs.
- A student protest in 1990 over poor conditions at Morgan State sparked awareness of the funding issues.
- Because of his position, Richardson couldn't sue the state himself, so students and alumni formed a coalition to file the lawsuit.
- Richardson was an expert witness in the trial, providing critical historical information.
- The funding settlement helped start significant improvements at Morgan State, known as "Morgan's Renaissance."
