A new bill in the Mississippi State Legislature might force three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to shut down. These at-risk institutions are Mississippi Valley State University, Alcorn State University, and Jackson State University. The proposed law, Senate Bill 2726, wants the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (BTSIHL) to pick three schools for closure by June 2025. They’ll look at things like enrollment, economic impact, and the kinds of degrees offered to see if these schools have helped the state’s residents. Each college will have a mandatory session where people can express concerns about the bill. If the law passes, it’ll kick in on July 1, 2024.
Jennifer Riley Collins, an Alcorn State University alum and HUD Regional Administrator, spoke out about the possible consequences if Senate Bill 2726 becomes law. She thinks the criteria in the bill put HBCUs at high risk and urges alumni and students to stand up against it.
Mississippi Senator John Polk is behind this bill. Polk, a Republican representing District 44 in the Mississippi State Senate, introduced Senate Bill 2726. He’s been in office since 2012 and was assigned to the Senate Universities and College Committee in 2019. His current term goes until January 4, 2028.
Closing these Mississippi HBCUs raises serious concerns about the future of minority education access, cultural heritage, and the pursuit of knowledge. Historically, HBCUs have been vital for African American and minority students, offering chances for higher education when other doors were often closed. Shutting these schools down could seriously limit educational access for minority students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
HBCUs also play a crucial role in preserving African American culture, heritage, and identity. They create supportive spaces where students can celebrate their heritage and feel like they belong. Closing HBCUs wouldn’t just impact these communities; it would erase a significant part of African American history and culture.