ISSUE IN-DEPTH: ENDING THE RACE DIVIDE: READERS’ OPINIONS ON MERGERS VARY

In the Get Schooled blog, readers were asked what they thought about merging the state universities in Albany and Savannah, two historically black public colleges, with traditionally white schools, Darton and Armstrong Atlantic. The following are excerpts from the responses. Names are those chosen by blog participants.

> Jenni: I think people are confused about the meaning of HBCU. HBCUs are “Historically Black Colleges/Universities.” This just denotes the fact that in the days of segregation, these were the only schools that allowed black students. As a graduate of an HBCU, several of my classmates and professors were not black. The title does not mean that the school is catering to one race; it is just a part of its history. I am proud of the school that I went to and would be quite upset at the prospect of a merger. I’m sure if someone suggested a merger of Georgia and Georgia Tech there would be quite the outrage.

> Nichole: As a former Savannah State student, I feel that a merger with Armstrong could be beneficial; but at the same time, it would take away the history that lies within the school. There is a lot of historical significance within SSU, some that cannot be shared or even matched with another college. There are a lot of HBCUs nationwide that have a rich history, an identity of their own, and a merger with a non-HBCU would destroy that identity.

> LB: This is a tough call. There is no right or wrong answer. Keeping these colleges ‘as is’ will preserve history, which will continue to have value from now on. Combining the colleges will show good stewardship of the funds.

> Jeff: The state should not fund racially segregated schools, nor schools that advertise themselves as being dominated by a particular race.

> TheBlogger: I really don’t see how these mergers will save any significant money. In Albany, Darton and Albany State are on opposite sides of town. The facilities cannot be merged, so there is no possible savings there. The classes are usually full, so there is no savings in faculty reduction. The only possible savings is a reduction in administrative costs. Would combining two small colleges into a single larger one really save that much in administration?

> NoWay: I do not think in this day and age any school promoting itself as catering to any one race should receive any public funds. It is time to move on folks. HBCUs have no place in today’s culture.

> Ms. Writer: I have seen both schools and think that Savannah State would benefit from the merger. It is a poorly run school that would benefit from coming together with Armstrong Atlantic.

> Noneya: I don’t see how Savannah and Armstrong can merge. They are fairly similar in size, have carved their own niche with their academic programs and have their own athletic programs. I can see strong opposition from both sides. This is an idea formulated by one man. He would have to come up with a detailed plan of how it will save money and how much to see if it is a feasible move.