Protesters gather at SC State with concerns over a plan to cut some programs

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Students at South Carolina State University said they are concerned about plans to potentially cut some programs at the school.

“We found out through a social media post, and we felt like that was not right,” said student Madison Dubose. “We felt like we should’ve been told right away as the students because this affects us in the long run.”

Dubose said they did not see the social media post until December and said they were told it included history, special education, art education, social studies, and possibly other programs that could be cut.

“I am from Charleston, South Carolina- technically Summerville, I am a junior here at the illustrious South Carolina State University,” said Adriana Perez.

Perez said when she heard program cuts may be coming, she switched her program.

“I was technically a middle-level education major in November, with a concentration in English and in social studies, and I changed my major as soon as I found out because social studies was on the verge of being cut as well, and I didn’t know where that was gonna put me and I needed to be secure,” she said.

Some students went into a committee meeting Wednesday morning to make their presence known, and others held a silent protest against the proposal outside.

South Carolina law requires an annual look at programs, to determine if enough students are participating for several years in a row. Those can be eliminated.

Right now, the board has not voted to eliminate any of the programs. University officials say even if programs are cut, students currently enrolled will be able to finish their program.

During the protest, the University Provost asked to meet with the students to discuss their concerns.

Perez says even if the cuts do happen, she is concerned about what that may mean.

“My biggest thing is, I want HBCU teachers. I want Black educators out in the field, and it’s not fair for you to just cut their programs,” she said.

There is a Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for Thursday, but university officials tell us there’s nothing on the agenda related to this issue.