ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Lawmakers are reacting to the latest news of South Carolina State University firing President James E. Clark on Tuesday.
"When I saw that headline, I was a bit surprised," said Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. "We only have one public HBCU in this state. The state needs to make a bigger commitment to that school."
"Here we go again," said District 66 Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg County. "The revolving door of presidents at South Carolina State University continues. I don't see how we can continue going down the path of changing presidents every six or seven years when a new board of trustees comes in and decides to make a change."
The South Carolina State Boards of Trustees made their decision during a special called meeting, saying they fired Clark for a cause under the terms in his contract. In an audio comment provided by Majority Whip Clyburn's team, he said he's going to support the institution in these times.
"I understand the vote was 10 to 3," said Clyburn. "That's a pretty significant vote. It seems to me that people feel there is time for a new leader."
The board appointed Col. Alexander Conyers as the acting president until further notice. Clark came under scrutiny in March when the school's faculty senate gave him a vote of 'no confidence' and called for new leadership. Low enrollment numbers and the plan to return to campus during the pandemic were a few of the issues outlined.
Representative Cobb-Hunter said Clark's termination is disappointing. She says she hopes school leadership has a plan moving forward.
"I think there is too much put on the president, and that needs to spread amongst legislatures, the community, the alumni, and others," said Cobb-Hunter. "I'm just not one who sees things as one person's fault."