PHILADELPHIA—A group of concerned Cheyney University supporters alleged Monday that the state is discriminating against the historically Black institution, imperiling its ability to attract new students and stay afloat economically.
Pennsylvania officials denied any racial bias against Cheyney, one of 14 public universities overseen by the State System of Higher Education.
But a coalition called Heeding Cheyney’s Call sent a letter to Gov. Tom Corbett demanding equitable funding for the struggling school, and warned of a possible lawsuit.
The group’s attorney, university alumnus Michael Coard, said the current fiscal formula has led to inferior facilities, plummeting enrollment and a $14 million deficit at Cheyney.
That puts the school on unequal footing with the other 13 mainstream universities, making it harder to attract badly needed tuition dollars, he said.
“We don’t have enough students because you’re not giving us enough money,” Coard said at a news conference outside federal court in Philadelphia.
