Mississippi's HBCUs Could Get More Money to Resolve Deseg Case

Black Issues in Higher Education, Sept 30, 1999

JACKSON, Miss.--Higher education leaders here have asked state lawmakers for another $7.2 million for the state's three historically Black colleges--funding some say is crucial to resolving a 24-year-old desegregation case.

The state is spending $4.8 million this year on programs and scholarships at Alcorn State, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State universities as part of the Ayers higher education desegregation case.

"It's important in terms of reaching a settlement that we continue to make this good faith effort," says Tom Layzell, the state's higher education commissioner. "It's important to be able to show progress."