The Texas Legislative Black Caucus announced support Monday for Paul Quinn College to regain accreditation.
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools voted on June 25 to drop the school's membership from the accrediting agency. Without accreditation, colleges can't award degrees and students at unaccredited schools can't receive federal or state financial aid.
The Dallas liberal arts college is the oldest historically black college in Texas and has had its share of struggles.
However, the school's president, Michael J. Sorrell, said it's too soon to write off Paul Quinn and cited recent improvements including debt reduction, increased admission standards and more student achievement.
State Rep. Sylvester Turner, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, said the organization is disheartened by the decision to remove Paul Quinn College's accreditation.
State Rep. Helen Giddings, whose legislative district includes the college, agreed with Turner.
"Under the leadership of President Sorrell, Paul Quinn College has made great strides towards improving the financial status of this fine institution, and it is unfortunate that these accomplishments have been ignored by the decision makers at the SACS," she said.
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The group said it believes the college has a rich history and must be provided the resources to achieve success, while being allowed to continue serving its students.
The Texas Black Caucus also expressed a commitment to provide more than just verbal support.
"I am pleased to announce that the Texas Legislative Black Caucus is presenting a pledge of a financial donation to Paul Quinn College," Turner said. "The caucus fully supports Paul Quinn and intends to stand by this amazing college, its president and its students"
