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EO 12320Executive OrderReagan · R

Executive Order 12320

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

This executive order establishes a permanent federal program to increase participation by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in federally sponsored programs. It requires annual planning, reporting, and review mechanisms across executive agencies, revokes the previous Carter-era EO 12232, and sets specific deadlines for initial implementation in 1981-1982.

46 FR 46107
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Impact dates

  1. Annual Federal Performance Report to President, VP, and Cabinet Council

  2. Annual Performance Reports due at end of year

  3. Annual plans submitted at time and in form designated by Secretary of Education

  4. Mid-year progress reports due to Secretary of Education

  5. First Annual Federal Plan ready for consideration by President, VP, and Cabinet Council

  6. Participating Executive agencies submit annual plans to Secretary of Education

  7. Special review by every Executive agency must be completed

Key directives

  • Secretary of Education shall supervise annual development of federal program to increase HBCU participation in federally sponsored programs
  • Each Executive Department and designated agencies shall establish annual plans with measurable objectives
  • Agencies shall submit mid-year progress reports and Annual Performance Reports
  • Special review of agency programs for equal opportunity participation by HBCUs
  • Secretary shall ensure HBCU presidents can comment on proposed Annual Federal Plan
  • Secretary shall stimulate private sector initiatives to strengthen HBCUs
  • Secretary shall submit Annual Federal Performance Report to President, VP, and Cabinet Council
  • EO 12232 is revoked

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Revocation of EO 12232 (August 8, 1980)
  • Launch of special review by all Executive agencies

Near term (90d)

  • Special review completion by November 1, 1981
  • Annual plans due from agencies by January 15, 1982
  • First Annual Federal Plan ready by March 31, 1982

Long term

  • Ongoing annual federal program for HBCU participation
  • Annual planning and reporting cycle in perpetuity
  • Private sector initiative stimulation

Risks & tensions

  • No enforcement mechanism or consequences specified for non-compliant agencies
  • 'To the extent permitted by law' qualifier in Section 6 may limit private sector initiative scope
  • Vague: 'Designated by the Secretary of Education' leaves agency participation partially discretionary
  • Measurable objectives are required but no baseline or target metrics are specified
  • Cabinet Council on Human Resources composition includes roles that may change with administrations
Executive Order 12320: Historically Black Colleges and Universities · Executive Orders