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S.C. House Subcommittee Votes to Close State’s Only HBCU

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South Carolina State University’s Future Threatened by Legislators

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by Roberto Alejandro
Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

A South Carolina House subcommittee has recommended the state’s only historically Black higher education institution, South Carolina State University (SCSU), be completely shut down for one fiscal year, starting in July 2015, in order to address a $17.5 million budget deficit, according to various reports.

The recommendation by the SC House’s Ways and Means Higher Education and Technical Colleges Subcommittee also calls for the dismissal of the school’s president and Board of Trustees, the entire faculty, staff, and other state employees.

The subcommittee’s proposal further recommends that the state take over the institution, its outstanding debt, and effectively start from scratch. Students with a GPA of 2.5 or better who qualify to transfer to other in-state schools would have their tuition covered by the state for up to four years, according to WLTX 19, Columbia, S.C.’s CBS affiliate.

After the vote by the house subcommittee, SCSU released a statement on its website, in which the school promised to fight the legislation.

“SC State students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are to remain calm, as the proviso is simply a recommendation,” the statement read in part. “Several legislatives [sic] hurdles must be cleared before the proviso is enacted. The SC State University family is vowing to fight to kill the bill.”

SCSU President Thomas Elzey told WLTX 19, “I want to make one thing clear: South Carolina State University will not close.”

According to the Times and Democrat Newspaper in Orangeburg, S.C.—the city in which SCSU is located—the college’s financial woes go at least as far back as 2012, when Cynthia Warrick became interim president and inherited a deficit of already $6.4 million.

The House Higher Education and Technical College Subcommittee Chairman Jim Merrill, said the vote was the House’s way of expressing frustration at the school’s lack of a plan to address the budget shortfall, according to a report on FOX Carolina’s website.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has said she understands the legislator’s sentiment regarding the university’s pace in developing a plan to address its deficit, telling WCIV-TV, Charleston, S.C.’s ABC affiliate, “We have been waiting for months to get information from South Carolina State. We, in good faith, went and said ‘This is a historical school.’ Our auditors are still waiting, six months later for this information that South Carolina State hasn’t given. So I understand the frustration.”

Rondrea Mathis and he Rev. Herron K. Gaston, alumni of another HBCU Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, wrote an op-ed in the Huffington Post, calling on Gov. Haley and the legislature to reject the House subcommittee’s proposal. The recommended closure would cause the loss of SCSU’s academic accreditation, effectively killing the school, they argued.

“From the time of their founding to the present day, HBCUs continue to struggle for adequate attention, funding, resources, opportunities, and respect from their state governing bodies,” wrote Mathis and Gaston, adding later, “Closure would be a death knell for South Carolina State, and any legislator who believes differently is blinded by willful ignorance.”

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Oakland Post: Week of August 12 – 18, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of August 12 – 18, 2026

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Commentary

COMMENTARY: Why Local School Tax Measure G1 Will Not Be on the November Ballot

POST NEWS GROUP — Measure G1 is the local tax measure that supports middle school teacher retention and the expansion of arts, music, and world language programs at both OUSD middle schools and charter middle schools. The current measure expires in 2029.

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on

iStock.

There has been considerable speculation recently about why Measure G1 will not appear on the November ballot and what that means for the Oakland Unified School District’s current budget.

I want to provide some clarity about what happened and, importantly, what did not happen.

Measure G1 is the local tax measure that supports middle school teacher retention and the expansion of arts, music, and world language programs at both OUSD middle schools and charter middle schools. The current measure expires in 2029.

Because these funds are important to our schools and to the continuity of these programs, the district initially intended to place a renewal initiative on the November ballot to provide greater early certainty about funding beyond the expiration of the current measure.

As part of that process, the Board scheduled a special meeting for the required public hearing on the ballot initiative. There has been some suggestion that this meeting was noticed only one day in advance. That is not accurate.

Public hearings of this nature are subject to specific notice requirements, and the meeting must be noticed at least two weeks before the hearing. In practice, the notice may appear even earlier depending on publication schedules. The notice for the Measure G1 public hearing was published in the Tribune on 7/24/2026 and 7/31/2026.

So, why wasn’t the Measure G1 paperwork ultimately filed?

After the Board approved placing the measure on the ballot, the next step required the Alameda County Superintendent of Schools to sign the necessary paperwork before it could be submitted to the Oakland City Clerk.

During that process, Alameda County Superintendent Alysse Castro raised concerns about potential litigation stemming from another court case unrelated to OUSD and about whether proceeding with the measure could expose the district or County to legal challenges. Superintendent Castro’s action is unprecedented and concerning. 

It is important to distinguish between the Board’s decision to pursue Measure G1 and the subsequent procedural and legal issues that arose. The Board did approve moving forward with the measure. The measure did not fail because the Board chose not to support it, nor was the public hearing improperly noticed.

The decision not to proceed with the November ballot was made in light of the County’s concerns about potential litigation and the County’s required approval process.

We also need to be clear about what this does, and does not, mean for OUSD’s current budget. The existing Measure G1 funds remain available through the expiration of the current measure in 2029. The immediate issue is the longer-term continuity of funding beyond that date, not the elimination of these resources from the current year’s budget.

Our responsibility as a Board is to protect the educational programs and services our students depend on while ensuring that our decisions comply with the law and protect the district from unnecessary legal and financial risk.

We will continue working to understand the County’s concerns, explore our options, and advocate for the resources our students deserve. Our middle school students, teachers, and school communities deserve stability, and continued investment in arts, music, world languages, and teacher retention—and that work remains a priority for Oakland Unified.

Jennifer Brouhard is a retired OUSD educator and is the current OUSD School Board President representing District 2.

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Business

California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Unveils: ‘Powering the Future’ Theme for 47th Annual Statewide Convention

POST NEWS GROUP — For nearly 50 years, the CHCC has been the frontline champion of California’s small-business ecosystem. As the economic landscape evolves, “Powering the Future” signals bold momentum—emphasizing the innovation, resilience, and leadership needed to fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. The theme bridges the CHCC’s foundational advocacy over the past 47 years with a strategic vision for rapid economic transformation.

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Luis Zambrana, McDermott Costa Insurance; Leo Callejas, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) Northern Region chairperson; Karen Guzman, Aliza Gallo, board director, Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC); Julian Cañete, president and CEO of CHCC; Sharon Fonseca, OLCC board director. Courtesy photo.

The premier August event in Oakland will unite business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to drive the next generation of California’s economic growth.

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has officially announced “Powering the Future” as the theme for its 47th Annual Statewide Convention. The landmark event will be held August 19-21 at the Oakland Marriott City Center in Oakland, California. 

For nearly 50 years, the CHCC has been the frontline champion of California’s small-business ecosystem. As the economic landscape evolves, “Powering the Future” signals bold momentum—emphasizing the innovation, resilience, and leadership needed to fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. The theme bridges the CHCC’s foundational advocacy over the past 47 years with a strategic vision for rapid economic transformation. 

Driving Innovation and Economic Influence

As California leads global trends in technology, clean energy, and entrepreneurship, Hispanic-owned businesses are at the helm. From harnessing artificial intelligence and accelerating digital transformation to pioneering sustainable practices, Latino entrepreneurs are actively shaping tomorrow’s industries.

“Hosting this convention in Oakland is deeply meaningful,” said Noel Gallo, who represents Council District 5. “Approximately 28% of Oakland’s population is Latino, and their contributions shape every aspect of our civic, cultural, and economic life.”

Latino‑owned businesses are central to our city’s growth; they drive job creation, revitalize commercial corridors, strengthen neighborhood identity, and contribute to innovation across sectors including construction, hospitality, education, retail, arts, professional services, and more, Gallo asserts.

“These enterprises do more than generate revenue; they anchor family legacies, nurture community pride, and create spaces where culture and commerce meet,” Gallo said.

“Following a period of significant economic transformation, ‘Powering the Future’ is more than a theme—it is a collective call to action,” said Julian Cañete, president and CEO of the CHCC. “Our businesses and future leaders aren’t merely adapting to change; they are driving it. This convention will showcase the innovation and leadership needed to build a stronger, more prosperous California for generations to come.”

Cañete is also excited to have Oakland as the organization’s host city. Noting Oakland’s historical significance and deep-rooted diversity “From its legacy as center of social movements to its modern identity as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and small business growth, Oakland embodies the resilience and creativity that define our state,” Cañete added. “We are proud to contribute to this dynamic community’s ongoing momentum and economic vitality.” 

Three Days of Impact, Connection, and Advocacy

The CHCC Annual Convention empowers Hispanic and diverse businesses and communities while fostering connections and advancing economic opportunities. The convention features impactful presentations on business development, current business trends, economic and community development, and policy-oriented discussions.

Attendees can connect with business leaders, thought leaders, elected officials, and other Hispanic and diverse small business and community leaders. Participants establish strategic, long-lasting partnerships through direct personal engagement, best-practice sharing, interactive dialogue, networking workshops, and more.

The agenda includes an annual business matchmaking program, dynamic panels and speakers, an exhibition hall, awards ceremonies, and meal events highlighting the remarkable achievements of Hispanic and diverse businesses and communities.

The CHCC Annual Awards celebrate Hispanic and diverse companies and communities for their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and contributions to California’s economy. The CHCC Annual Convention also aims to advance a diverse supply chain and create expanded business opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs and communities.  

The Oakland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the source for this report.

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S.C. House Subcommittee Votes to Close State’s Only HBCU

Published

on

South Carolina State University’s Future Threatened by Legislators

77-300x225

by Roberto Alejandro
Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

A South Carolina House subcommittee has recommended the state’s only historically Black higher education institution, South Carolina State University (SCSU), be completely shut down for one fiscal year, starting in July 2015, in order to address a $17.5 million budget deficit, according to various reports.

The recommendation by the SC House’s Ways and Means Higher Education and Technical Colleges Subcommittee also calls for the dismissal of the school’s president and Board of Trustees, the entire faculty, staff, and other state employees.

The subcommittee’s proposal further recommends that the state take over the institution, its outstanding debt, and effectively start from scratch. Students with a GPA of 2.5 or better who qualify to transfer to other in-state schools would have their tuition covered by the state for up to four years, according to WLTX 19, Columbia, S.C.’s CBS affiliate.

After the vote by the house subcommittee, SCSU released a statement on its website, in which the school promised to fight the legislation.

“SC State students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are to remain calm, as the proviso is simply a recommendation,” the statement read in part. “Several legislatives [sic] hurdles must be cleared before the proviso is enacted. The SC State University family is vowing to fight to kill the bill.”

SCSU President Thomas Elzey told WLTX 19, “I want to make one thing clear: South Carolina State University will not close.”

According to the Times and Democrat Newspaper in Orangeburg, S.C.—the city in which SCSU is located—the college’s financial woes go at least as far back as 2012, when Cynthia Warrick became interim president and inherited a deficit of already $6.4 million.

The House Higher Education and Technical College Subcommittee Chairman Jim Merrill, said the vote was the House’s way of expressing frustration at the school’s lack of a plan to address the budget shortfall, according to a report on FOX Carolina’s website.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has said she understands the legislator’s sentiment regarding the university’s pace in developing a plan to address its deficit, telling WCIV-TV, Charleston, S.C.’s ABC affiliate, “We have been waiting for months to get information from South Carolina State. We, in good faith, went and said ‘This is a historical school.’ Our auditors are still waiting, six months later for this information that South Carolina State hasn’t given. So I understand the frustration.”

Rondrea Mathis and he Rev. Herron K. Gaston, alumni of another HBCU Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, wrote an op-ed in the Huffington Post, calling on Gov. Haley and the legislature to reject the House subcommittee’s proposal. The recommended closure would cause the loss of SCSU’s academic accreditation, effectively killing the school, they argued.

“From the time of their founding to the present day, HBCUs continue to struggle for adequate attention, funding, resources, opportunities, and respect from their state governing bodies,” wrote Mathis and Gaston, adding later, “Closure would be a death knell for South Carolina State, and any legislator who believes differently is blinded by willful ignorance.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of August 12 – 18, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of August 12 – 18, 2026

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Commentary

COMMENTARY: Why Local School Tax Measure G1 Will Not Be on the November Ballot

POST NEWS GROUP — Measure G1 is the local tax measure that supports middle school teacher retention and the expansion of arts, music, and world language programs at both OUSD middle schools and charter middle schools. The current measure expires in 2029.

Published

on

iStock.

There has been considerable speculation recently about why Measure G1 will not appear on the November ballot and what that means for the Oakland Unified School District’s current budget.

I want to provide some clarity about what happened and, importantly, what did not happen.

Measure G1 is the local tax measure that supports middle school teacher retention and the expansion of arts, music, and world language programs at both OUSD middle schools and charter middle schools. The current measure expires in 2029.

Because these funds are important to our schools and to the continuity of these programs, the district initially intended to place a renewal initiative on the November ballot to provide greater early certainty about funding beyond the expiration of the current measure.

As part of that process, the Board scheduled a special meeting for the required public hearing on the ballot initiative. There has been some suggestion that this meeting was noticed only one day in advance. That is not accurate.

Public hearings of this nature are subject to specific notice requirements, and the meeting must be noticed at least two weeks before the hearing. In practice, the notice may appear even earlier depending on publication schedules. The notice for the Measure G1 public hearing was published in the Tribune on 7/24/2026 and 7/31/2026.

So, why wasn’t the Measure G1 paperwork ultimately filed?

After the Board approved placing the measure on the ballot, the next step required the Alameda County Superintendent of Schools to sign the necessary paperwork before it could be submitted to the Oakland City Clerk.

During that process, Alameda County Superintendent Alysse Castro raised concerns about potential litigation stemming from another court case unrelated to OUSD and about whether proceeding with the measure could expose the district or County to legal challenges. Superintendent Castro’s action is unprecedented and concerning. 

It is important to distinguish between the Board’s decision to pursue Measure G1 and the subsequent procedural and legal issues that arose. The Board did approve moving forward with the measure. The measure did not fail because the Board chose not to support it, nor was the public hearing improperly noticed.

The decision not to proceed with the November ballot was made in light of the County’s concerns about potential litigation and the County’s required approval process.

We also need to be clear about what this does, and does not, mean for OUSD’s current budget. The existing Measure G1 funds remain available through the expiration of the current measure in 2029. The immediate issue is the longer-term continuity of funding beyond that date, not the elimination of these resources from the current year’s budget.

Our responsibility as a Board is to protect the educational programs and services our students depend on while ensuring that our decisions comply with the law and protect the district from unnecessary legal and financial risk.

We will continue working to understand the County’s concerns, explore our options, and advocate for the resources our students deserve. Our middle school students, teachers, and school communities deserve stability, and continued investment in arts, music, world languages, and teacher retention—and that work remains a priority for Oakland Unified.

Jennifer Brouhard is a retired OUSD educator and is the current OUSD School Board President representing District 2.

Continue Reading

Business

California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Unveils: ‘Powering the Future’ Theme for 47th Annual Statewide Convention

POST NEWS GROUP — For nearly 50 years, the CHCC has been the frontline champion of California’s small-business ecosystem. As the economic landscape evolves, “Powering the Future” signals bold momentum—emphasizing the innovation, resilience, and leadership needed to fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. The theme bridges the CHCC’s foundational advocacy over the past 47 years with a strategic vision for rapid economic transformation.

Published

on

Luis Zambrana, McDermott Costa Insurance; Leo Callejas, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) Northern Region chairperson; Karen Guzman, Aliza Gallo, board director, Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC); Julian Cañete, president and CEO of CHCC; Sharon Fonseca, OLCC board director. Courtesy photo.

The premier August event in Oakland will unite business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to drive the next generation of California’s economic growth.

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has officially announced “Powering the Future” as the theme for its 47th Annual Statewide Convention. The landmark event will be held August 19-21 at the Oakland Marriott City Center in Oakland, California. 

For nearly 50 years, the CHCC has been the frontline champion of California’s small-business ecosystem. As the economic landscape evolves, “Powering the Future” signals bold momentum—emphasizing the innovation, resilience, and leadership needed to fuel the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. The theme bridges the CHCC’s foundational advocacy over the past 47 years with a strategic vision for rapid economic transformation. 

Driving Innovation and Economic Influence

As California leads global trends in technology, clean energy, and entrepreneurship, Hispanic-owned businesses are at the helm. From harnessing artificial intelligence and accelerating digital transformation to pioneering sustainable practices, Latino entrepreneurs are actively shaping tomorrow’s industries.

“Hosting this convention in Oakland is deeply meaningful,” said Noel Gallo, who represents Council District 5. “Approximately 28% of Oakland’s population is Latino, and their contributions shape every aspect of our civic, cultural, and economic life.”

Latino‑owned businesses are central to our city’s growth; they drive job creation, revitalize commercial corridors, strengthen neighborhood identity, and contribute to innovation across sectors including construction, hospitality, education, retail, arts, professional services, and more, Gallo asserts.

“These enterprises do more than generate revenue; they anchor family legacies, nurture community pride, and create spaces where culture and commerce meet,” Gallo said.

“Following a period of significant economic transformation, ‘Powering the Future’ is more than a theme—it is a collective call to action,” said Julian Cañete, president and CEO of the CHCC. “Our businesses and future leaders aren’t merely adapting to change; they are driving it. This convention will showcase the innovation and leadership needed to build a stronger, more prosperous California for generations to come.”

Cañete is also excited to have Oakland as the organization’s host city. Noting Oakland’s historical significance and deep-rooted diversity “From its legacy as center of social movements to its modern identity as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and small business growth, Oakland embodies the resilience and creativity that define our state,” Cañete added. “We are proud to contribute to this dynamic community’s ongoing momentum and economic vitality.” 

Three Days of Impact, Connection, and Advocacy

The CHCC Annual Convention empowers Hispanic and diverse businesses and communities while fostering connections and advancing economic opportunities. The convention features impactful presentations on business development, current business trends, economic and community development, and policy-oriented discussions.

Attendees can connect with business leaders, thought leaders, elected officials, and other Hispanic and diverse small business and community leaders. Participants establish strategic, long-lasting partnerships through direct personal engagement, best-practice sharing, interactive dialogue, networking workshops, and more.

The agenda includes an annual business matchmaking program, dynamic panels and speakers, an exhibition hall, awards ceremonies, and meal events highlighting the remarkable achievements of Hispanic and diverse businesses and communities.

The CHCC Annual Awards celebrate Hispanic and diverse companies and communities for their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and contributions to California’s economy. The CHCC Annual Convention also aims to advance a diverse supply chain and create expanded business opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs and communities.  

The Oakland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the source for this report.

Continue Reading

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