California Establishes First Black-Serving Institution Designation

In a landmark move to promote educational equity, California has introduced the nation's first official Black-Serving Institution (BSI) designation, recognizing colleges and universities committed to advancing Black student success. This initiative, established through Senate Bill 1348 (SB 1348) signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024, took effect on January 1, 2025.

Authored by Senator Steven Bradford, SB 1348 aims to address systemic barriers that have historically led to disproportionately low college enrollment and graduation rates among Black students in California. The legislation received bipartisan support, passing the Senate Education Committee with a 6-0 vote. Senator Bradford emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "SB 1348 will focus attention on the disparities that exist for Black students in higher education."

To qualify for the BSI designation, institutions must meet specific criteria:

• Enrollment Thresholds: A Black student population of at least 10% or a minimum of 1,500 Black students.
• Support Programs: Implementation of robust Black student success programs.
• Resource Allocation: Dedicated resources to support these initiatives.
• Performance Indicators: Establishment of metrics to track Black student achievement over a five-year period.

The California State University (CSU) system's Central Office for the Advancement of Black Student Success will oversee the application process for the BSI designation. An eight-member governing board, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and including representatives from California's higher education systems, will make awarding decisions. Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis highlighted the initiative's significance, stating, "California is making history with the launch of the Black-Serving Institution designation—an initiative that will open doors, break barriers, and ensure that Black students have the resources and support they need to thrive in higher education."

Sacramento State University has emerged as a trailblazer in this endeavor. In June 2024, prior to the enactment of SB 1348, the California State Assembly honored Sacramento State as the state's first Black-Serving Institution. The university enrolls over 2,000 Black students, the highest number within the CSU system. Under the leadership of President Luke Wood, Sacramento State has launched several initiatives to support Black students, including the nation's first Black Honors College, which offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on the Black and African American experience. President Wood expressed his commitment, stating, "This distinctive recognition reaffirms Sacramento State’s commitment and dedication to serving the needs of our diverse student body, especially for our Black students."

The establishment of the BSI designation represents a significant step toward addressing educational inequities faced by Black students in California. By formally recognizing institutions that excel in supporting Black student success, the state aims to create more inclusive and supportive educational environments. This initiative also serves as a model for other states seeking to implement similar programs to promote equity in higher education.

While California does not have Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the BSI designation provides a state-level recognition akin to the federal HBCU designation. This initiative is unique in its approach, focusing on institutions within a state that has historically lacked such designations. The BSI designation differs from federal designations like Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), which require a Black student enrollment of at least 40%. By setting the threshold at 10% or 1,500 students, California's BSI designation acknowledges and supports institutions with significant Black student populations, even if they do not meet the higher federal thresholds.

The impact of the BSI designation is multifaceted. It is expected to influence Black student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates positively. Institutions seeking the designation are likely to implement targeted programs and allocate resources to support Black student success. Moreover, the initiative may inspire other states to adopt similar designations, contributing to a broader movement toward equity in higher education.

In conclusion, California's introduction of the Black-Serving Institution designation marks a historic commitment to advancing Black student success and addressing systemic barriers in higher education. By recognizing and supporting institutions dedicated to this cause, the state sets a precedent for others to follow, fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.