Senate amends SB2208 to add HBCU representation on university governance study committee

The Senate amended Senate Bill 2208 on the floor to add designated representation for historically Black colleges and universities on a proposed governance study committee for the Mississippi Public University System.

Senator Boyd called up SB2208 and Senator Dupree offered the amendment, saying the change "increases minority participation" and "strengthens" the bill rather than weakening it. Dupree told colleagues the amendment inserts two positions to represent HBCUs: one appointment by the lieutenant governor and one by the speaker of the House. He said the change is about "performance and fairness and good governance," adding, "It's not about quotas."

Dupree displayed slides to illustrate his point, comparing the composition of a 12-member board with limited African American representation to a more diverse alternative. After brief discussion, the Senate adopted the amendment by voice vote and the chair announced "bill is amended."

Senator Boyd then moved for final passage and requested the use of a morning roll call. No senator objected to that procedure, and senators present proceeded under the roll call format. The presiding officer announced the measure had passed as amended.

The amendment adds two named categories of appointees to the study committee and was presented on the Senate floor as a way to broaden participation in governance reviews. The bill as amended will proceed according to the chamber's rules for floor passage and any subsequent enrollment steps.

The Senate moved on to the next calendar item after the amendment and the morning roll call procedure related to final passage.