Failure by Design

Tennessee State University (TSU) has been in the news for its financial troubles. Headlines focus on an $800,000 contract with the former president and claim the school isn’t handling money well. These stories miss the bigger picture: the government owes TSU $2.1 billion. This massive shortfall stems from years of the state failing to provide TSU with the funding it was legally entitled to receive, which has created a cycle of financial challenges.

The attention on the $800,000 contract distracts from this larger issue. While $800,000 is significant, it is minuscule compared to the billions TSU is owed. Framing the financial problems around this one contract unfairly shifts blame to the university's leadership, instead of addressing the systemic failure of underfunding. This narrative distorts the reality of the situation and ignores the historical neglect TSU has faced. Over decades, the lack of equitable funding has made it increasingly difficult for TSU to operate at the same level as its better-funded counterparts.

Today, TSU is struggling to meet basic operational needs. Over 100 employees have lost their jobs as the university attempts to manage its limited resources. Instead of addressing the underfunding, state officials have proposed hiring outside consultants, many of whom lack understanding of TSU’s unique mission. These consultants would cost more money without tackling the root cause of the problem—the billions in unpaid funding owed by the state. Imagine being asked to fix a sinking ship while being denied the materials to patch the holes.

Despite these challenges, TSU has achieved extraordinary things. The university has educated thousands of students and helped them succeed, even while receiving far less funding than white institutions. When TSU expanded enrollment and offered scholarships to give more students a chance, critics claimed it wasn’t prepared to handle the growth. This criticism ignored the fact that TSU’s difficulties stem directly from being denied the resources needed to grow responsibly. For example, TSU has struggled to upgrade its facilities to accommodate more students, which directly affects the quality of education and campus life.

State officials, including the treasurer, have claimed that TSU is "out of money." However, the real question is: where is the $2.1 billion owed to TSU? Some state leaders have even suggested selling TSU’s downtown Nashville campus to address financial shortfalls. Such a move might offer temporary relief but would ultimately fail to address the long-term systemic issues. Selling vital assets does not resolve decades of financial neglect; it only shifts the burden further onto the university. This suggestion reflects a lack of commitment to solving the root causes of TSU’s financial struggles.

This pattern of neglect and misplaced blame is not unique to TSU. Black institutions often face similar treatment, where their struggles—rooted in systemic underfunding—are used to push false narratives about Black leadership. This cycle denies these institutions the resources they need, then criticizes them for not achieving more. Even when they succeed, as TSU has, their achievements are ignored or dismissed, perpetuating a narrative that undermines their value. This is not just a failure of policy; it is a failure to respect the vital role these institutions play in educating and uplifting communities.

The same dynamic can be seen in how society treats poor communities. Lack of resources is blamed on individual failings rather than systemic inequities. People are told to work harder, but no amount of effort can overcome the barriers imposed by insufficient resources. That TSU has managed to thrive despite these obstacles is a testament to the resilience of its students, faculty, and staff. However, relying on resilience alone is not sustainable, nor is it fair to expect miracles without proper support.

The federal government has acknowledged this injustice. The Biden administration’s investigation revealed a $2.1 billion funding gap for TSU, underscoring that this neglect was not accidental but part of a long-standing pattern. Instead of addressing this systemic inequity, state officials have tried to exert greater control over the university. This isn’t just an issue for TSU; it reflects a broader trend of undermining Black institutions. By withholding resources and then attempting to dictate terms, the state perpetuates a cycle of control and marginalization.

Even under these conditions, TSU has delivered remarkable outcomes. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like TSU represent only 3% of U.S. colleges but award 13% of bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students. TSU has also been a leader in STEM education, granting nearly one-quarter of all STEM degrees earned by Black students. These achievements demonstrate the dedication of TSU’s faculty and staff, who continue to do more with less. TSU’s contributions extend far beyond its campus; its graduates enrich their communities and industries across the country.

It is time for the state to take responsibility. Instead of outsourcing solutions to expensive consultants, Tennessee should repay the $2.1 billion it owes TSU. This funding could rebuild campus infrastructure, expand scholarship opportunities, and support research programs. TSU’s students deserve the same resources and opportunities as those at better-funded institutions. Fully funding TSU would not just benefit the university—it would also strengthen the state’s workforce and economy by investing in the success of its students.

The narrative around TSU’s financial situation needs to shift. State leaders must explain why they withheld funding and present a clear plan to address this historic inequity. What is their timeline for repaying the billions owed? How will they ensure that TSU can thrive in the future? The burden of proof should not fall on TSU; it should fall on the state, which has failed to meet its obligations. Accountability must start at the top, with leaders who recognize the harm caused by their inaction.

TSU’s story is not one of failure—it is a story of perseverance and achievement in the face of systemic neglect. But resilience should not be a requirement for success. Tennessee must fulfill its promises to TSU and other HBCUs. By doing so, the state can begin to repair the harm caused by decades of underfunding and ensure that TSU and its students have the support they need to succeed. This is not just about money; it is about justice, equity, and honoring the legacy of an institution that has served its community with pride and purpose.