Bill Would Merge Black and White Schools

A state lawmaker who supports merging several historically black public colleges in Georgia has introduced a resolution urging the Board of Regents to move ahead with the cost-saving move. State Sen. Seth Harp wants to merge two of the historically black schools with nearby predominantly white colleges. The goal is to save money as the state grapples with a $2.2 billion budget shortfall. Critics say the schools have a rich civil rights legacy and that students who might otherwise not attend college are being educated at the schools. The plan would merge the historically black Savannah State University with Armstrong Atlantic State University. Albany State University would combine with nearby Darton College. The state Board of Regents would have to approve any merger.

(Associated Press)

Lawmaker suggests merging black public schools

A state lawmaker told Georgia college leaders today they need to look at merging public historically black colleges with nearby white-majority schools to help meet budget cuts. Midland Republican Seth Harp suggested combining historically black Savannah State University with nearby Armstrong Atlantic University, and historically black Albany State University would merge with Darton College. Like most state agencies and departments, Georgia's public colleges are facing budget cuts of up to 10 percent this year. University system Chancellor Erroll Davis told lawmakers that such move would face strong opposition.

(Associated Press)

Student paper sues college

Editors of a college newspaper in Savannah are suing Armstrong Atlantic State University Editors of The Inkwell say the school violated their free speech rights by cutting their budget. The paper took a more aggressive approach to covering the university in the past year. The suit says Armstrong later cut the paper's budget by more than $4,000.