*Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2017 *

**Remarks on Signing an Executive Order on the White House Initiative To Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities **

*February 28, 2017 *

So this is Historically Black Colleges and Universities Executive order—very important to all of us. This group has been fantastic, many of which we were with yesterday and really developed something very special. So thank you. Thank you all for being here. Thank you, Mr. Vice President, also—Mike, for being here.

This is a very important moment, and a moment that means a great deal to me. This month has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate African American history, and to begin working together to create a better future for African Americans and universities and colleges, and everything that is African American. Today we're taking action to help make that future happen and that future better.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are incredibly important institutions, woven into the fabric of our history, just about like no other. Church is very important, right? Colleges and universities.

[*At this point, the President greeted Thurgood Marshall College Fund Senior Director of Strategic Communications Paris Dennard.*]

Come here. My—my defender. [*Laughter*]

[*The President continued his remarks as follows.*]

Education has the power to uplift. It has the power to transform. And, perhaps most important, education has the power to create greater equality and justice in our lives.

That's why today I'm thrilled to be signing an Executive order to recognize the importance of Historically Black College and Universities. Very important. They have played such an important role in achieving progress for African Americans and in our Nation's march for justice. HBCUs have been really pillars of the African American community for more than 150 years—amazing job—and a grand and enduring symbol of America at its absolute best. And I congratulate you all, to say that.

With this Executive order, we will make HBCUs a priority in the White House—an absolute priority. A lot of people are going to be angry that they're not a priority, but that's okay. [*Laughter*] And we will pledge our support to you, your mission, and our shared mission of bringing education and opportunity to all of our people.

And so I just want to congratulate—these are very, very special people surrounding me. You've done an amazing job. It's not easy. Nothing is easy, but you've done an amazing job. And I just want to congratulate you all, and I want to thank you on behalf of our country.

And I'm going to sign this. This is really fantastic.

[*The President signed the Executive order.*]

Who's going to get that pen?

NOTE: The President spoke at 2:38 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred Executive Order 13779. *Categories:* Addresses and Remarks : Historically Black Colleges and Universities, White House Initiative on, establishment, signing an Executive order*.*

*Locations:* Washington, DC.* *

*Names:* Dennard, Paris; Pence, Michael R.

*Subjects:* Education : Postsecondary education :: Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Historically Black Colleges and Universities, White House Initiative on; White House Office : Vice President.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201700148.