Support HB 203: Ensure Fair Representation on Georgia’s Board of Regents
House Bill 203 (HB 203) is a simple and fair piece of legislation that strengthens accountability and representation within the University System of Georgia (USG). The bill requires that graduates of Georgia’s public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, and Savannah State University) hold at least two at-large seats on the Board of Regents by 2031.
This representation is essential. Georgia’s public HBCUs have served the state for more than a century, educating teachers, nurses, scientists, business leaders, military officers, and public servants who contribute to every corner of our state. Yet, despite their impact, HBCU perspectives have rarely been present in USG’s top-level decision-making.
What HB 203 Does
- Requires at least one HBCU graduate on the Board of Regents by 2028
- Requires at least two HBCU graduates by 2031
- Applies only to HBCUs within the University System of Georgia
- Ensures the Board reflects the full diversity of Georgia’s institutions
Why This Matters
This bill does not give special treatment. It simply ensures that a major sector of Georgia’s higher education system—its HBCUs—has a voice and perspective represented at the table. HBCUs are public institutions that deserve the same consideration and institutional representation long afforded to others.
Adding HBCU alumni to the Board will:
- Strengthen decision-making
- Improve accountability and transparency
- Bring valuable insight into student success, workforce development, and community needs
- Ensure equitable consideration of all Georgia institutions
Addressing Misconceptions
Some may argue the bill provides special consideration to Black people or HBCUs. That is incorrect. HB 203 focuses on institutional representation, not race.
Just as other institutions within the USG have been informally represented by their alumni for years, this bill ensures that public HBCUs also have representation tied to their institutional role, history, and statewide impact.
Add Your Name
We, the undersigned, support HB 203 and call on the Georgia General Assembly to pass this bill. Fair representation makes a stronger University System for everyone.
Sign the petition to ensure that HBCU voices, expertise, and lived experience are included in the decisions that shape Georgia’s future.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
February 19, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
February 13, 2026
6 Comments
Long overdue. The system needs these voices if they want to be fair to all students in GA.
Finally some common sense legislation. Savannah State and Fort Valley alumni need to be in the room where decisions are made.
HBCU grads bring a different perspective that the board clearly lacks. fix this.
Give these schools the respect they earned. Its not asking for much to just have a couple seats for us.
Why hasnt this happened yet???
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Support HB 203: Ensure Fair Representation on Georgia’s Board of Regents
House Bill 203 (HB 203) is a simple and fair piece of legislation that strengthens accountability and representation within the University System of Georgia (USG). The bill requires that graduates of Georgia’s public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, and Savannah State University) hold at least two at-large seats on the Board of Regents by 2031.
This representation is essential. Georgia’s public HBCUs have served the state for more than a century, educating teachers, nurses, scientists, business leaders, military officers, and public servants who contribute to every corner of our state. Yet, despite their impact, HBCU perspectives have rarely been present in USG’s top-level decision-making.
What HB 203 Does
- Requires at least one HBCU graduate on the Board of Regents by 2028
- Requires at least two HBCU graduates by 2031
- Applies only to HBCUs within the University System of Georgia
- Ensures the Board reflects the full diversity of Georgia’s institutions
Why This Matters
This bill does not give special treatment. It simply ensures that a major sector of Georgia’s higher education system—its HBCUs—has a voice and perspective represented at the table. HBCUs are public institutions that deserve the same consideration and institutional representation long afforded to others.
Adding HBCU alumni to the Board will:
- Strengthen decision-making
- Improve accountability and transparency
- Bring valuable insight into student success, workforce development, and community needs
- Ensure equitable consideration of all Georgia institutions
Addressing Misconceptions
Some may argue the bill provides special consideration to Black people or HBCUs. That is incorrect. HB 203 focuses on institutional representation, not race.
Just as other institutions within the USG have been informally represented by their alumni for years, this bill ensures that public HBCUs also have representation tied to their institutional role, history, and statewide impact.
Add Your Name
We, the undersigned, support HB 203 and call on the Georgia General Assembly to pass this bill. Fair representation makes a stronger University System for everyone.
Sign the petition to ensure that HBCU voices, expertise, and lived experience are included in the decisions that shape Georgia’s future.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
February 19, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
February 13, 2026
6 Comments
Its about time the Board actually looks like the people they serve. These schools have been turning out leaders for years and deserve a seat at the table.
Long overdue. The system needs these voices if they want to be fair to all students in GA.
Finally some common sense legislation. Savannah State and Fort Valley alumni need to be in the room where decisions are made.
HBCU grads bring a different perspective that the board clearly lacks. fix this.
Give these schools the respect they earned. Its not asking for much to just have a couple seats for us.
Why hasnt this happened yet???
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Its about time the Board actually looks like the people they serve. These schools have been turning out leaders for years and deserve a seat at the table.