Entering the new year, the federal government sent a new letter to Gov. Bill Lee, reminding his administration that Tennessee State University is underfunded by $2.1 billion.
The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are circling back after their letter in 2023. The two agencies wrote letters to many states informing governors their historically Black colleges had been underfunded. The state said half a billion was owed in 2022, while the federal government said that number is actually $2.1 billion.
You can tap to read the updated letter here.
“We hope that we can be a thought partner with you as you consider ways to address the unbalanced funding,” the letter stated. “We thank the university leadership and faculty from your state’s 1890 that, through the years, have been able to produce extraordinary graduates despite receiving less than its 1862 peers in matching state funds. The remarkable strides that have been made are a testament to their dedication to education and to the success of future generations.”