Texas Southern University Seeks $120 Million for New Law School Facility
Texas Southern University (TSU) is actively appealing to state lawmakers for funding amounting to $120 million, aimed at replacing its aging Thurgood Marshall School of Law building. This request comes in response to findings from the American Bar Association (ABA) indicating that the current facility is unsafe and insufficient for accommodating students with disabilities.
Concerns Over Facility Conditions
The ABA has expressed significant concerns regarding the infrastructure of the law school building, which has endured extensive damage from severe weather events, including Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Harvey. University officials have reported ongoing issues such as leaks, mold, and foundation instability. Despite efforts to address these problems, the ABA concluded that the building fails to meet standards required for law school accreditation.
Impact of Accreditation on Financial Aid
Failure to rectify the identified deficiencies jeopardizes TSU’s ability to provide federal financial aid to its students. The ABA has warned the university that in order to maintain its accreditation—essential for student eligibility for federal student loans and grants—a new building must be constructed.
Funding History and Future Requests
This marks TSU’s second request for funding to construct a new law school facility. During the last legislative session, the university sought $415 million for various capital projects, which was not approved. In the current session, TSU has integrated the law school building project into a broader request for $202 million to cover essential upgrades across campus, including classroom enhancements and improvements to the mechanical and electrical systems.
The Historical Significance of the Law School
Established in the 1940s, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law was created to rectify racial inequalities in legal education. Renamed in honor of the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1978, the institution serves as a pivotal educational hub for aspiring legal professionals, particularly within the Black and Latino communities. It ranks as the top institution in Texas for graduating Black attorneys and is third for Latino attorneys.
Advocacy and Legislative Engagement
Recently, TSU students joined university president James W. Crawford III in Testifying before the Texas House’s higher education committee advocating for the funding request. Their presence highlighted the urgency of the situation, as they represent future generations of legal professionals.
Persistent Challenges for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like TSU have grappled with prolonged underfunding. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Education identified a collective underfunding of $12 billion across HBCUs in 16 states, including Texas, over the past three decades. Maintaining infrastructure has been particularly challenging, with many HBCUs reporting urgent repair needs.
Looking Forward
The future of TSU’s funding request remains uncertain, as it was not included in the initial budgetary proposal from the state lawmakers, who must finalize their budget by June 2. As the university continues to advocate for its students, it remains crucial for legislators to consider the implications of facility conditions on both education quality and access to financial aid.
For information on the ongoing legislative process and updates regarding Texas Southern University’s funding initiatives, please visit the Texas Tribune.
