Sacramento State expands Black Honors College amid nationwide DEI rollbacks

Sacramento State University, also known as California State University, Sacramento, has expanded its offerings for students of color by launching a Black Honors College (BHC), a specialized program focusing on Black history, life, and culture, according to reports from Aspen Public Radio, YPRadio, and UPR.

The BHC was created just months before the Trump administration began widespread rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on college campuses nationwide. While many institutions have reduced or eliminated such programs to avoid accusations of racial discrimination, Sacramento State has taken a different approach.

Luke Wood, president of Sacramento State, stated that the campus historically struggled to create an environment of success for Black students. The BHC was designed to meet the specific needs of Black students while also welcoming any interested students, in compliance with federal and state laws.

Currently, over 800 students are enrolled in the Black Honors College. While the majority identify as Black, African, African-American, or mixed race, the program is not exclusive and aims to foster community and scholarship among its participants.

A former student, Zyearre Amoah, who graduated in 2024 and is now a staff member helping recruit students to the BHC, noted that before the college's launch, Black students often felt isolated on the large campus. He said the initiative has helped Black students to "show their faces" and find each other more easily, improving their campus experience.