Georgia HBCUs File Lawsuit Alleging $600M Underfunding
A recent federal lawsuit has shed light on funding disparities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia. The lawsuit, filed by minority state lawmakers and several students from state-funded HBCUs, aims to address the alleged underfunding of these institutions. According to the documents, one of the three HBCUs named in the lawsuit, Fort Valley State University, has reportedly been underfunded by a staggering $600 million.
Representatives from the HBCU community gathered on the steps of the federal courthouse to highlight the funding disparities and demand a solution. State Representative Sandra Scott, one of the lawmakers supporting the lawsuit, revealed that Fort Valley State University alone would have received an additional $603 million over the past three decades if it had been funded at the same level as the University of Georgia.
Matrice Herring, an alumnus of Fort Valley State University and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, spoke about her subpar experience due to the lack of funding. She highlighted the need for more buildings for student accommodation and additional resources for classroom use.
The lawsuit takes aim at the State of Georgia and the Board of Regents for the University System, seeking to correct the funding gap. Carlos Moore, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, stressed that Herring should not have had to endure unnecessary disparities compared to her counterparts at better-funded institutions. The legal team cited precedents like Brown vs. Board of Education and the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibit racial discrimination in the field of education.
While awaiting a response to the lawsuit, the attorneys plan to determine the extent of underfunding for Albany State and Savannah State universities, the other two publicly funded HBCUs named in the legal action.
This lawsuit has raised significant questions for state officials, with Dr. James Beverly, the minority leader of the Georgia General Assembly, challenging Governor Kemp and the Chancellor of the Board of Regents on whether they have ever withheld resources from those who need them most.
11Alive reached out to the Board of Regents for comment, but they stated that they could not provide one as they have yet to receive the lawsuit documents.
The lawsuit and the allegations it presents highlight the urgent need to address funding disparities and ensure equal opportunities for students at HBCUs in Georgia. By challenging the existing system, the plaintiffs hope to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students regardless of race or background.
