Cianna Hope Reeves
Managing Editor
Students, alumni, faculty and staff assembled at the Mississippi State Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 5 to encourage state legislators to renew financial assistance to Jackson State University’s programming and operations.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the state have experienced a loss of subsidy due to the depletion of Ayers Funding, an appropriation settlement that institutions rely on heavily to maintain and operate.
According to an informational pamphlet distributed at the event, Ayers Funding is a settlement which stemmed from a lawsuit compiled by Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Jackson State University due to the inequitable funding in comparison to predominately white institutions.
As a result of its passing years ago, new buildings were constructed on campuses and various new programs were implemented for students.
However, since the settlement has expired, JSU has requested a redistribution of $6.5 million.
Without its renewal, the university is likely to face accreditation concerns, an increase of student tuition and fees, and eventually a decline of student attendance.
Janice Knight, alumni giving specialist for the Department of Alumni and Constituency, was pleased by the participation of students, departments, and chapter alumni associations across the state in rally of aid.
“Our number one goal was to show up in numbers and demonstrate to the legislature that we are here for our school. We wanted them to witness how important it is that we meet the needs of our students through financial support. I believe we accomplished that,” said Knight.
The university has requested a total fund of $6.5 million for disbursement among three specific areas for JSU; the School of Public Health, Institute of Government, and College of Education.
With the School of Public Health receiving the highest bid, their hope is to revitalize the program to provide students with quality equipment and superior education.
As the only accredited School of Public Health in Mississippi, funding is a top priority for the department in order to have stable funding along with the continued partnering with UMMC and other Mississippi healthcare entities for current and prospective students.
Day’Ja Johnson, a junior communicative disorders major from Meridian, Miss., attended on behalf of her fellow classmates and professed how the need of fiscal support would benefit the division.
“There are a lot of restrictions that occur in the School of Public Health due to scarce cashflow. As students, we experience the issues first-hand because we are constantly in the classrooms working and perfecting our craft with the limited resources we have,” expressed Johnson.
She added, “We have clinics that need to be updated with innovative technology and machinery. There is a ten-year gap with the equipment we are currently operating with and if we receive the requested amount, I believe it would alleviate a lot of stress and improve our success as we work to attain a career in our field of study.”
Senator Derrick Simmons, democratic minority leader and JSU alum, expressed his support of renewing the settlement and pledges to advocate for his alma mater.
“I understand the value of Ayers Funding and the step down is a hard hit. What we need to do as a legislature is to fill the holes of this settlement where we can continue to support Jackson State University, as well as other HBCUs,” declared Simmons.
President William B. Bynum, Jr. also requested that the legislature approve the fiscal year 2016 level of funding.
This would give faculty and staff cost-of-living and/or merit pay increases, a bond request to improve infrastructure issues, and a property disposal bill which would eradicate the university’s responsibility to maintain properties with little to no value.
Knight hopes the rally ignited a decision that would change the trajectory of not only the university, but also student life.
“I hope they see the importance of designating the money to Jackson State. I hope they hear our president as he expressed the need and approve the declared funding.”
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