via Chuck Kennedy
Georgia state Senator Lester Jackson recently introduced SB 278, a measure to merge three HBCUs (Savannah State University, Albany State University, and Fort Valley State University) into one “powerhouse” institution: The Georgia Agricultural and Mechanical University System.
At face value, it seems like it would direct sorely needed resources to schools struggling to meet enrollment quotas… but the fine print tells another story.
The bill removes all three schools from their current home, the 26-institution-deep university system of Georgia.
And such a move wouldn’t protect these treasured institutions from issues like tuition spikes, competition from other schools, and a lack of government funding.
Instead, the bill would grant long term control to POLITICIANS in exchange for a short term solution enacted in an hour of desperation.
Under the Georgia A&M system, future state governors and senators would have the power to fill 11 out of 19 board seats with whoever they like.
Thankfully, alumni and community leaders have publicly slammed the bill and are working through independent committees to find alternative solutions to each school’s enrollment concerns.