Author: The Associated Press Staff 3/18/2021 AP
THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland General Assembly has passed a measure to set aside $577 million over 10 years to settle a federal lawsuit that alleged discrimination and underfunding at the state’s four historically Black colleges and universities.
The House of Delegates gave the bill final approval Wednesday on a 120-14 vote.
The measure now goes to Gov. Larry Hogan, who vetoed a similar bill last year after citing economic difficulties created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s measure would not begin payments until fiscal year 2023 in an adjustment to account for the pandemic.
Most of the measure’s provisions are contingent on a final settlement agreement being reached by the parties by June 1.
Morgan State University President Dr. David Wilson tweeted, “I’m pleased to see that this 15 year-old lawsuit is finally coming to closure. This funding will aid us in planning for Research 1 status at Morgan State”.