ANNAPOLIS, Md.
Maryland lawmakers are exploring using mediation and binding arbitration instead of the courts to address a dispute between duplicative programs at state universities that has raised allegations that the state is violating federal desegregation law.
The dispute over a Maryland Higher Education Commission decision relating to MBA programs at historically Black Morgan State University and a joint program at Towson University and the University of Baltimore has been a difficult issue for lawmakers this legislative session.
Some lawmakers fear a bill enabling Morgan State to take Towson to court would be unprecedented, allowing public universities to sue each other over a state commission’s decision and producing potentially stomach-churning legal bills.
The Maryland Senate already has passed the bill 27-19 after a whirlwind of amendments and heated debate.
Members of the House Appropriations Committee, which is now considering the bill, have been taking a close look at the measure. Members met Tuesday afternoon to discuss alternatives to court. Nothing final has been decided.
The members are considering amending the bill to require the dueling universities to first try mediation. If that fails, a three-member panel would decide the matter. The panel would consist of someone chosen by Morgan State, a person selected by Towson and a third person chosen by all parties. Committee members plan to keep meeting to try to iron out an arbitration process agreeable to all sides.
