Tennessee House committee advances bill that would only vacate part of TSU board

An amendment filed by House Democrats that would keep five of Tennessee State University's board members — as opposed to vacating all 10 — swiftly passed a committee Monday.

That puts it at odds with the Senate version of the bill, which seeks to vacate all 10 people on the university's board of trustees and leaves it to Gov. Bill Lee to appoint new members.

The House amendment, filed by Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, and backed to Rep. Harold Love, D-Nashville, moved to keep three current board members, along with the student and faculty trustees. The other five either have terms that have expired or will expire next year. Those members will serve until their successor is named, according to the university’s bylaws.

The Republican-backed bill to vacate the board was introduced after years of scrutiny over the historically Black university's finances and leadership and as the board searches for a new president. It also comes as the results of a forensic audit, commissioned last year by lawmakers, are still pending.

The bill has stirred intense controversy over $2.1 billion in historic underfunding of TSU by the state and disparities in how TSU has been treated by lawmakers. University leaders have pleaded with lawmakers to extend their current board and give them more time to course correct.

If passed, the Democrats' amendment would retain trustees Van Pinnock, Obie McKenzie and Joseph Walker III. At present, their terms are set to expire in 2026. That would allow them to stay on at least until then.

Dig deeper: Tennessee State University board holds what could be last meeting as Republicans push to vacate it

Current board chair Deborah Cole, trustee Andre Johnson and trustee Richard Lewis would be vacated and serve until new appointees were set, per the amendment. Additionally, trustees Pam Martin and Stephen Corbeil, whose terms have already expired but who have continued to serve pending new appointees, would serve until their successors are named.

Pinnock was on hand during the hearing, saying he supported the continuity the compromise would give the board as it nears the end of its search for a new university president, completes audit processes and continues its work to improve the university's finances, among other things.

The measure passed with very little discussion in less than 15 minutes.

The bill still faces several hurdles before it would become law.

The House version now heads to the House Finance, Ways and Means committee. The Senate version is still awaiting a floor vote.

TSU welcomes amendment

TSU released a statement after the hearing Monday, saying university leaders have worked from the outset to extend the board and avoid disruption.

"We welcome the amendment that backs away from immediate termination of the entire board. However, the amended bill to remove three members is still disappointing," part of the statement read. "These individuals have served productively and admirably as trustees. Furthermore, removing three key board members will result in a significant loss of institutional knowledge and expertise on the board."

While the House and Senate versions of the bill are not yet reconciled, the university expressed hope that negotiations would continue.

"We look forward to continuing to work with legislators in the Senate and House in the upcoming weeks," the statement read.

TSU advocates: 'The lesser of two evils'

A group known as the Save TSU Community Coalition held a news conference directly following the hearing Monday. While the coalition felt the amendment was a positive development, the fact the bill was proposed by state Republicans in the first place was an issue.

"We believe that this whole charade of bringing TSU to this point is not necessary," Pastor Chris Jackson said. "It's a smokescreen for something else — a takeover that is desired."

TSU senior Derrell Taylor, who serves as the president of the TSU Student Government Association, expressed disappointment over the lack of inclusion of student voices as the bill has moved through the legislature. He said that it's caused confusion and uncertainty among his fellow students and that the removal of the current board felt extreme and harsh.

Still, he and others are thankful that a compromise is now on the table and hope it will minimize disruptions at TSU.

"This is the lesser of two evils," said Chrishonda O'Quinn, a TSU senior who serves as the executive vice president for the TSU Student Government Association.

What's next for the TSU board bill

The House version of the bill heads to the Finance, Ways and Means committee next. The Senate version is awaiting a full Senate vote. Dates for both those actions had not been set as of Tuesday morning.

Want to follow along? Visit capitol.tn.gov and search for HB1739 or SB1596 for more information on upcoming hearings and votes as they become available.

Reach reporter Rachel Wegner at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter, Threads and Bluesky @RachelAnnWegner.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee State: Bill that would only vacate part of board advances