By The People’s Paper MS Staff
A years long fight over what Tennessee State University says it was owed from the State of Tennessee is back in the national conversation.
Former Tennessee State University President Dr. Glenda Glover has released a new book, How Dare You: An HBCU President’s Fight for Half a Billion Dollars Owed — and the State’s Actions to Avoid Payment. In a message shared with The People’s Paper MS, Glover said the book details her battle to secure equitable funding for the historically Black university during her tenure.
“I invite you to read it and see more clearly how public narratives are shaped, and what happens when those in power are challenged,” Glover wrote.
According to Glover, Tennessee’s own internal analysis concluded the state had underfunded TSU by more than $500 million under the equitable funding requirements of the Morrill Act of 1890. She said the book examines how state officials responded after those findings came to light and what the case means for land grant historically Black colleges and universities across the country.
The funding dispute has drawn national attention in recent years as lawmakers, higher education advocates and civil rights leaders have questioned whether Tennessee fulfilled its legal obligations to its only public land grant HBCU.
State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, said the issue extends beyond one university.
“Did the state of Tennessee mistreat Glover? Absolutely,” Parkinson told The People’s Paper MS. “They both mistreated her and disrespected her and every other Black citizen in the state of Tennessee.”
Parkinson said the question of intent is less important than the outcome.
“Whether purposefully or not, the money was withheld, and in some cases the other land grant institution received more than what the law stated,” he said.
He also criticized political leaders for avoiding responsibility.
“They played the blame game to avoid responsibility and accountability for the money not being directed where it was supposed to go,” Parkinson said. “However, I don’t place full blame at the hands of this Republican administration. Democrats, of which I am one, led this state for many of the years this underfunding was taking place.”
Parkinson said the controversy reflects a broader national issue.
“This speaks to a much larger issue plaguing our country: the cancer of racism,” he said.
The People’s Paper MS sought comment from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office. An email sent to the general comptroller email address listed on the agency’s website was returned as undeliverable. A separate media inquiry sent to Communications Director John B. Dunn had not received a response as of publication.
Glover’s book is available through Amazon.
