Maryland: unconcerned about its HBCUS?

Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Nov 30, 2006 by Bryant Newmuis, Harmon S. Watson

The lawsuit appears to be relevant. Primarily, this lawsuit should stand based on the research that clearly shows the state of Maryland is in violation of its own laws (see "Maryland Faces University Desegregation Fight," Nov. 16). If one school offers a program, why should another one offer it at the same level? It doesn't matter if the school is an HBCU or a White school. If one offers it, the other shouldn't. The state of Maryland has consistently demonstrated a lack of concern for HBCUs, therefore, this is not anything new. Historically, Maryland has been a state that refuses to abide by its laws.

--Bryant Newmuis

Towson University

Baltimore

It's about time that someone shed some light on an unstated public policy dating back to the 1960s, when the development of Morgan State University was strictly limited (under a formal policy of "non-duplication of programs"), while other area schools, i.e., non-HBCUs, were built and built up with duplicative and better-financed programs. So, what's new?

--Harmon S. Watson

Fayetteville, N. C.