Poll: Majority of Virginians support abortion rights in state constitution, HBCU funding
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A majority of Virginians support including the right to an abortion in the Virginia Constitution and approve of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) receiving annual state funding for operating expenses, according to a recent Commonwealth Poll.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) released its findings on key policy issues from its recent Commonwealth Poll, which was conducted between Dec. 18, 2024 and Jan. 15, 2025.
Abortion rights
According to VCU, 62% of Virginians support including the right to an abortion in the Virginia Constitution.
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Democrats in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates are leading the charge to change the Virginia Constitution to enshrine abortion rights.
If the amendment passes the General Assembly this year, it must be reconsidered by the 2026 General Assembly.
According to VCU, Virginia's constitution requires that any constitutional amendment be approved in two legislative sessions with an election in between. The House of Delegates' 2025 election would serve as such an intervening election.
Support for HBCUs
In 2022, the Virginia Attorney General released an official opinion allowing the state to fund HBCUs, according to VCU.
The poll found that nearly 78% of respondents approve of HBCUs receiving annual state funding for operating expenses, with Democrats showing the highest approval with 92%, while more than 60% of Republicans and 76% of Independents also expressed support.
Respondents were also asked whether they believe Gov. Glenn Youngkin has adequately funded HBCUs during his administration.
The university said among the 49% of respondents with an opinion on the issue, 27% agreed that Youngkin has provided appropriate funding, while 22% disagreed.
The poll found that Republicans and Independents were more likely to say Youngkin has appropriately funded HBCUs compared to Democrats.
According to VCU, private colleges and universities in Virginia typically do not receive operating funds from the state.
Hampton University and Virginia Union University -- two Virginia HBCUs -- are private institutions.
The university said advocates have called for public funding for Hampton and Virginia Union to address broader disparities among HBCUs.
According to VCU, respondents were asked whether they supported or opposed the governor and appropriations chair's decision not to provide operating funds for these two institutions.
The poll's results were split, with 47% agreeing that no funds should be allocated while 43% believed funding should be provided.
Support for withholding funding was highest among Republicans with 65%, followed by Independents with 42% and Democrats with 32%, according to the poll.
Public perceptions of college education
When asked about the value of a college education, Virginians were reportedly divided. A near-equal split emerged between those who believe college remains an essential factor in an individual's future success -- 43% -- and those who feel its importance has declined -- 44%.
According to VCU, only 11% of respondents think that college education is of minimal value to future success.
The poll found that more than half of Democrats -- 55% -- and Independents -- 53% -- believe in the continuing value of college education, while 54% of Republicans say they once valued college highly but now see it as less essential.
On the cost of higher education, a majority -- 54% -- disagreed that the price of a four-year degree at an in-state Virginia university is "worth it," while 42% agreed.
According to VCU, Democrats were most likely to say the cost is justified with 45%, followed by Republicans with 40% and Independents with 33%.
University presidents serving on governing boards
According to VCU, the Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission (JLARC) recently recommended that university presidents should not serve as the chairs of their institution’s health systems board due to conflicts of interest.
Building on this recommendation, the Commonwealth Poll asked whether university presidents should be barred from serving on any university governing board.
The poll found that 70% of Virginians agreed that university presidents should not serve on governing bodies, while only 18% believed they should be allowed to do so.
General Assembly issues: Data centers in Virginia
VCU said that JLARC also recently released a report examining the impact of data centers in Virginia.
These facilities, used for digital data processing, storage and networking, have reportedly become a major economic driver for the state. However, some argue that Virginia may struggle to meet the rising energy demands required to demand them.
With multiple bills before the 2025 General Assembly addressing data center expansion and regulation, Virginians were asked whether they support allowing more data centers in the state.
Booming data center industry both helps and hurts Virginia, JLARC study finds
According to VCU, opinions were mixed, with 46% agreeing that Virginia should allow more data centers, while 39% opposed expansion. Support was strongest among Republicans with 48% and Democrats with 47%, while Independents were less likely to support growth with 36%.
