Dismantling Tennessee State University: A Troubling Attack on a Historically Black Institution
The recent decision by the Republican-led Tennessee legislature to remove the entire board of trustees at Tennessee State University (TSU) is a deeply concerning development that appears to be part of a broader effort to target Black educational leaders and dismantle historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
TSU, Tennessee’s only publicly funded HBCU, has faced a range of challenges in recent years, including issues with student housing, scholarship management, and lingering financial discrepancies. However, Black lawmakers and community leaders argue that the root cause of these problems is the state’s chronic underfunding of the university, to the tune of an estimated $2.1 billion over the past three decades.
Despite this, the Tennessee legislature has chosen to take drastic action, passing a law that vacates the entire 10-member TSU board of trustees. This move allows Republican Governor Bill Lee to appoint a completely new board, which will be critical as the university seeks a new president to replace the retiring Glenda Glover.
Supporters of TSU have strongly criticized this decision, seeing it as a politically-motivated attack on a historically Black institution. They argue that the state should focus on properly funding the university, rather than dismantling its governance structure.
Concerns about Disruption and Distrust
The removal of the entire TSU board has raised concerns about the potential disruption to the university’s progress and the leadership transition. Black lawmakers and community leaders have questioned whether the state has ever taken such a drastic step with a predominantly white university, further fueling the perception that TSU is being unfairly targeted.
Moreover, the decision to appoint a new board largely from the business community has raised concerns about the potential for a lack of understanding or connection to the unique challenges and needs of an HBCU like TSU.
Chronic Underfunding and Misplaced Priorities
The core issue at the heart of this controversy is the state’s chronic underfunding of TSU. Audits have found problems at the university, but have not uncovered evidence of fraud or malfeasance by the leadership. Instead, the issues appear to be primarily the result of insufficient resources and support from the state.Yet, rather than addressing this fundamental problem, the Tennessee legislature has chosen to focus on the symptoms, dismantling the university’s governance structure and replacing its leadership. This approach not only fails to address the root cause of TSU’s challenges but also sends a troubling message about the state’s priorities and its commitment to supporting historically Black institutions.
A Troubling Trend and a Call to Action
The situation at TSU is part of a broader trend of attacks on Black educational leaders and HBCUs, which have long been vital institutions for providing access and opportunity to underrepresented communities. As such, this development should be seen as a call to action for all those who value diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
It is crucial that we stand in solidarity with TSU and other HBCUs, and demand that state and federal governments provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the success and sustainability of these vital institutions. Anything less would be a betrayal of the principles of equal opportunity and social justice that should be the foundation of our educational system.
Effenus Henderson, HBCU Alum
