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)

Student claims self defense in shooting

A 19-year-old Savannah State University student says he fired in self defense when he shot and wounded a fellow student on campus last month. Devon McIntosh told the Savannah Morning News in a jailhouse interview that he shot 22-year-old Quinton Winfield after he came to McIntosh's campus apartment and began punching him in the head. McIntosh said Winfield was angry that McIntosh had stood up for a woman Winfield had insulted. He said he kept a handgun in his bedroom. Winfield was shot twice, in the arm and torso, Nov. 21 and treated at a local hospital. Police arrested McIntosh when they found him hiding in the trunk of his car. McIntosh remains jailed in Chatham County on aggravated assault charges.

(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)