AJC.com > Blogs > Get Schooled > Archives > 2008 > December > 02
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Should these colleges merge?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee suggested Monday that the state merge two historically black public colleges with white-majority campuses to save money.
The idea was to merge two Savannah schools: historically black Savannah State University and historically white-majority Armstrong Atlantic State University. And two in Albany: historically black college Albany State and white-majority two-year Darton College.
The recommended merger comes when the State University System, like other government agencies, is facing severe budget cuts and is looking for ways to slash expenses.
The proposal met with quick opposition from supporters of the historically black schools who said the campuses serve an important role. These campuses have provided education to students might not otherwise go or stay in college, supporters said.
Some might argue public school districts merge schools when enrollment dips too low. These closures are made to save money. But you typically see districts close elementary and middle schools - campuses that don’t have the same legacy as colleges.
What do you think of the recommended merger?
