Lawmaker suggests merging black, white colleges

A state lawmaker told Georgia college leaders Monday they need to look at merging public historically black colleges with nearby white-majority schools to help meet budget
cuts.

Senate Higher Education Committee Chairman Seth Harp told University System of Georgia officials during a budget hearing that the move also would help close the "ugly chapter" of segregation in Georgia. The Republican from Midland suggested combining historically black Savannah State University with nearby Armstrong Atlantic University, and historically black Albany State University would merge with Darton College.

University system Chancellor Erroll Davis told lawmakers that such move would face strong opposition.

Like most state agencies and departments, Georgia's public colleges are facing budget cuts of up to 10 percent this year.

(AP)

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