Overview

• Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation removing all board members of Tennessee State University after an audit highlighted 'significant procedural deficiencies' but found no fraud.
• The decision has been met with outrage from black lawmakers, students, and alumni, citing concerns over the school's future and accusations of racial bias in funding.
• A forensic audit suggested dozens of recommendations for TSU but did not uncover any fraud, leading to questions about the necessity of the board's complete removal.
• New board appointees, all of whom are Black and from the Nashville business and political community, await confirmation by the legislature.
• Critics argue that the move overlooks years of underfunding for TSU, with the university being owed an estimated $2.1 billion over the last three decades.