Separate, but "Unequal"

GREENVILLE — A rally is planned for 10 a.m. Thursday in the rotunda of the state Capitol to protest two controversial bills calling for the merger of Mississippi Valley State University and Alcorn State from merging with Jackson State.

At a town meeting Sunday at the Elks Lodge, 1818 East Alexander St., State Senators David Jordan and Willie Simmons and state Rep. John Hines and Historically Black Colleges and Universities alliance chairman Othor Cain called for the rally.

“It’s time that we show up and show support for our historically black schools,” said Cain. “If we don’t, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. We can’t sit back and not do anything to prevent this from happening.”Recently, Jackson State University President Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr. has voiced approval of the merger. He reportedly cited Hines as one of his backers but the District 50 representative said that is not true.

“I don’t know where he came up with that, but I want to make this perfectly clear so that everyone will understand,” said Hines. “In no way do I support this merger. I have met with Dr. Mason, and we have talked, but never have I voiced being in agreement with him on this.”

Jordan and Simmons talked about past struggles and victories during the Civil Rights Era. They feel the time for protesting has returned.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” said the fiery Jordan, who received a standing ovation during his address before the packed audience. “We’ve been through this before. We know what to do.”

Simmons says the problem is not the schools but inadequate government funding. “They would never think about merging Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Southern Miss so why should they consider merging Jackson State, Alcorn and Valley? Those three schools have a tradition and a need.

“The problem has been that Jackson State, Alcorn and Valley haven’t received the funding that the other three have. That needs to change.”

Maybe the problem is that these schools are "degree factories" which are cranking out illiterate graduates by the hundreds? I have a problem with "black", "white", or "women's" colleges in the 21st century!

I personally know several people who teach at the Valley and JSU . They all state that these "black" schools have very low standards and expectations. Basically, they sell "degrees" to improve the socio-economic status of their students. The English language is optional to most graduates, who expect a "degree" after completing (paying for) so many hours.

These schools do a disservice to their students.... a "degreed" idiot is still an idiot in our competitive work world. Skills and performance will get you a job these days... not a worthless diploma that only proves that your checks cleared!

Forthright