Sacramento State is drawing national attention for its decision to maintain a Black honors college at a time when many universities across the country are scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in response to pressure from the Trump administration.
The president of Sacramento State discussed the institution's approach during an interview that aired Saturday, September 19, 2026, on NPR. The conversation, reported by Elissa Nadworny, focused on the university's Black honors college and the broader question of how colleges and universities are handling DEI programs under the current federal posture.
The segment was broadcast at 5:05 p.m. ET on September 19, 2026, and audio was slated to become available later that day. NPR noted in its accompanying material that the network does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews, and that anyone making such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent NPR.
The interview highlights a widening divide in higher education. While some institutions have restructured or eliminated DEI offices and programming, Sacramento State has maintained its Black honors college, positioning the program as a central part of its institutional identity. The university's stance offers a case study for other campuses weighing how to respond to federal pressure without abandoning initiatives aimed at specific student populations.
For local readers, the story carries relevance beyond California. Universities nationwide — including those in this region — are confronting similar decisions about programming, funding and messaging around diversity. How institutions respond could shape admissions, student support services and campus culture for years to come.
The full conversation with the Sacramento State president is available through NPR's education coverage, with audio posted following the September 19, 2026 broadcast.
