The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has affirmed the agency’s December decision to terminate the accreditation of Bennett College, a historically Black college in Greensboro, N.C.
But the long drama is far from over.
Bennett president Dr. Phyllis Worthy Dawkins and Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Gladys Ashe Robinson announced in an evening news conference Friday that the 146-year-old institution had filed a federal lawsuit against SACSCOC and won a temporary restraining order that restores Bennett’s accreditation for the duration of the legal proceedings.
Dawkins said the “negative” decision by SACSCOC will not interrupt the daily operations of the college, and that upwards of $9 million fundraised will be used to support Bennett’s long-term success. In addition, college leaders have made progress seeking accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), with a site visit scheduled for March 14, Dawkins said.
“Despite the college’s unprecedented success with its #StandWithBennett campaign, the appeals committee submitted an adverse and unfair ruling,” Dawkins said. “Our fight continues. The accreditation process can be slow and even disappointing at times. We are also so thankful to the Bennett College family, the board of trustees, Bennett alumnae and our friends and neighbors for their continued support of this great institution.”
She added: “We will continue to educate our young women to become analytical thinkers, effective communicators and phenomenal leaders.”
News of SACSCOC’s denial of Bennett’s accreditation appeal spread quickly after the agency released an update on the appeal Friday.
