NASHVILLE, TN — The proposed state legislation to vacate the TSU board of trustees and place university oversight under THEC is an apparent takeover of TSU. It is being disguised as an effort by a few lawmakers claiming to have the best interests of TSU students and the university in mind.
TSU students, faculty, staff, and the university as a whole have had a bullseye on their backs ever since the state appropriated $250 million for campus improvements. This indicates a bias against TSU and its leadership.
The $2 million forensic audit conducted by the state comptroller’s office further demonstrates this targeting of “leading while Black” by lawmakers. Instead of holding themselves accountable for underfunding TSU for decades, they have allowed the comptroller to lead an unwarranted attack in search of fraud.
The legislature should acknowledge its own role in the underfunding of TSU and redirecting funds to other areas. Withholding funds from TSU, the state’s only public 4-year HBCU, is an act of fraud! The state’s own audit found that TSU is owed $544 million from nearly 30 years of redirecting land-grant funds.
TSU is still owed $294 million to fulfill the underfunding of $544 million. The question is whether the State of Tennessee plans to fulfill its financial responsibility to TSU or if the $250 million appropriation was a “one and done” gesture.
For almost two years, a group of lawmakers have targeted TSU’s distinguished president, led by personal attacks from the comptroller. This president has extensive knowledge and financial expertise, as evidenced by her background serving on Fortune 500 companies and holding advanced degrees, PhD in economics, JD and CPA.
The comptroller, with the backing of the GOP supermajority, has used the power of his office to try and disgrace a highly qualified and respected president. State auditors from the comptroller’s office have repeatedly confirmed that TSU has not mismanaged or misused funds.
The attempts to misinform and mislead fellow lawmakers and the local media about TSU’s financial management are unfounded. President Glover has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to students and has TSU at the center of all her actions. Some even want to criticize her for a recent emergency Save or Students, SOS fundraising campaign. This president understands the value of a quality education and continues to do what she can legally and strategically to help students.
It is clear that a certain group of lawmakers is eager to push out the TSU president and the board of trustees in order to take over. It is important to recognize that not everything on social media or local news is factual, especially when it involves the comptroller and powerful GOP lawmakers who seem intent on undermining a well-educated, qualified, and experienced professional Black woman.
TSU supporters, alumni, and students should be aware of the apparent takeover disguised as legislation and understand the targeted attacks on TSU’s leadership. It is crucial to separate fact from fiction and recognize the president’s dedication to the university and its students. The focus should be on holding the state accountable for its underfunding and ensuring that TSU receives the financial support it deserves.
