SCSU supporters suing state: Legal action claims S.C. has caused problems via segregated system

 “If it shuts down, it will never re-open — not a chance.”

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- A group of former and current South Carolina State University students is suing the state, claiming South Carolina has caused the institution’s financial problems by funding competing programs at traditionally white schools.

Using the same approach as similar lawsuits in Mississippi and Maryland, Orangeburg attorney Glenn Walters says the state has perpetuated a segregated system in violation of federal law.

At the same time, he says there have also been mistakes at S.C. State, a historically black university.

“There has to be this mea culpa – everybody has to admit their sins. ... What we want is a constructive dialogue and in order to have that dialogue, we have to be honest about the past,” he said.

The lawsuit was filed Friday at the end of a tumultuous week for S.C. State. A House subcommittee called for the closure of the debt-ridden university for two years while its finances are straightened out, citing a lack of transparency. That isn’t expected to happen.

CONTINUE READING