HBCU alumni, students upset after lawmakers removed Tennessee State University Board of Trustees

The GOP-controlled, majority-white Tennessee House voted in favor of the bill dismantling the entire board of trustees of Tennessee State University, an HBCU.

Black lawmakers, students and alumni of Tennessee State University are outraged that Gov. Bill Lee, in an unprecedented move, signed into law legislation that dismantled the storied historically Black college’s board of trustees.

Calls for a new board began in 2023, after multiple audit reports highlighted concerns around the mishandling of finances, housing and scholarships. A bill was then crafted that would replace three board members, before being amended to remove all of them. 

A new forensic audit spanning from July 2019 through June 2023 was released Wednesday. It offered dozens of recommendations and pointed to “deficient processes” but did not uncover “fraud or malfeasance.” The following day, the Republican-controlled and majority-white Tennessee House voted in favor of the bill dismantling the board, 66-25. Lee quickly signed it into law.

Lee said he was “pleased” with the appointments for a new board — all of whom are Black and distinguished members of the Nashville business and political community.

TSU president Glenda Glover is stepping down in June, and a search is underway for her replacement.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/tennessee-state-university-board-trustees-removed-rcna145615

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