“This is not the time to close down Denmark Tech,” said Rep. Joe Jefferson, D-Pineville, whose wife is a graduate.
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, a co-sponsor of the proposal, argued that the change would keep the doors open by changing the college’s mission.
Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, and several other members of the Legislative Black Caucus join administrators of Denmark Technical College at the Statehouse to voice opposition of latest proposal to turn the college into a trade school.
“This business about closing the school is just totally inaccurate. The school will cease to operate as part of the technical system, but the school will not close,” Cobb-Hunter said. “I’m trying to avert what would be a total disaster if the school closed.”
Located in one of the poorest areas in the state, Denmark Tech could be the first institution ever to be removed from the South Carolina Technical College System, according to The Post and Courier.
The proposed changes would turn Denmark Tech into a regional career center for high school students and adults who are pursuing an industry certificate. Several of the college’s current programs, such as welding and plumbing. Other programs that are still being designed include brick masonry, carpentry, a flight school and demolition.
