S.C. State students hold silent protest over possible cuts

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - Student organizations held a silent protest at South Carolina State University as the board of trustees considers eliminating academic programs at the school.

Students on campus were concerned as this topic was brought up by the university’s Board of Trustees last month. They expected the board to take it up again at its meeting Wednesday, but that discussion never happened.

The S.C. State Board of Trustees is still in the review process of eliminating six programs including history, special education, art education and social studies.

The university says these programs have low enrollment and completion rates.

S.C. State organizations such as The Student South Carolina Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi gathered as early as 9 Wednesday morning in front of Lowman Hall.

Organizations alleged that the board has not sought input from students on whether to eliminate the programs.

They want more transparency during this process.

“When I heard that these programs, six programs were on the verge of getting eliminated, I knew in my spirit that I had to do something,” said SCEA President Adriana Perez. “Even if they weren’t gonna affect my students or my future, I was technically a middle level education major in November with a concentration in English and social studies and I changed my major as soon as I found out because social studies was on the verge of getting cut as well. I didn’t know where that was going to put me, and I needed to be secure.”

In a statement, the university says it maintains transparency by encouraging students to communicate through the Student Government Association which has representation on the Board of Trustees.

A university spokesman could not confirm when this issue will be addressed by the board again.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.