Fighting Back: How State Elections Can Save Higher Education
Trump immediately delivered on his promise to weaken federal education funding and support systems across America.
From slashing research grants to obliterating student aid programs, his administration’s attacks create real problems for millions of students, faculty, staff, and families.
And the damage goes far beyond just college campuses — it threatens our country's ability to compete globally and provide opportunities for working families to build better lives.
Luckily, we don't have to wait until the next presidential election to fight back. There's hope at the state level, where many of the most important decisions about public universities actually happen.
By understanding how state-level politics impact higher education, we can take action right now to protect and strengthen our schools.
State Control Over Public Universities
Most people don't realize how much power state governments have over public colleges and universities. Multi-campus public higher education governance systems exist in 44 of the 50 U.S. states.
In most states, the governor and state legislature appoint board members who make major decisions about university budgets, programs, and leadership.
State lawmakers frequently try to tell public colleges and universities what to do through the power of the budget, using funding as leverage to push their political agenda. This means that legislators can directly impact how universities operate, what they teach, and how much they cost for students.
Working-class families bear the brunt of these political games. Reduced state funding means fewer scholarships and higher tuition, forcing students into debt or out of college completely.
North Carolina: A Warning Sign
North Carolina shows exactly what happens when Republicans are in charge at the state level.
For decades, the University of North Carolina system was considered one of the best in the country under Democratic leadership.
In 2010, Republicans took control of the state legislature for the first time in over a century. Things changed dramatically.
From dismantling a civil rights center, to implementing reckless COVID-19 policies, to ousting three Chancellors and acclaimed Knight Chair Nikole Hannah Jones.
They’re hateful idiots. And now, Republicans in the state legislature want to cut another $100 million a year from higher education.
Recent budget proposals have targeted important programs that help students afford college. This includes cuts to scholarships that disproportionately help Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a decrease of nearly $70 million in funding for UNC system centers and institutes.
These cuts are happening while Republicans push through massive tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations.
The message is clear: they're willing to make college more expensive and less accessible to fund tax cuts that mostly benefit the rich.
Taking Action: Your Support Makes a Difference
2026 down-ballot elections offer a real chance to fight back against these attacks on higher education.
You can help shift the tide by supporting progressive Democrats in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and every other state where Republicans currently control a chamber.
Volunteer for phone banking, knock doors for progressive candidates, or help register voters in your community. Support organizations like Virginia Student Organizing Power, Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT), and All4Ed — they always welcome volunteers or donations.
While Trump works to make college a luxury for the rich, progressive state legislators and organizations can make it accessible to everyone. Changing party control and expanding Democratic majorities means expanded aid, stronger support services, and inclusive campus policies that welcome all students.
State-level victories in 2026 will prove that grassroots organizing can defeat Trump's assault on higher education.
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Additional Sources:
https://edsource.org/2025/california-research-grants-federal-funding-trump-administration/733468
https://theintercept.com/2025/05/28/trump-aid-student-parents-college-child-care/