Texas Southern University, a historically Black educational institution in Houston, has recently requested $120 million from state legislators to replace its law school building, according to a recent report from The Texas Tribune.
In 2021, the American Bar Association informed the HBCU that the building housing its Thurgood Marshall School of Law did not comply with the association’s safety standards, including several sightings of leaks, mold, and foundation issues. Many of these issues arose as a result of Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Additionally, the ABA cited that the law school building does not have enough elevators for people with disabilities nor does it have adequate space for student and faculty operations.
To maintain its accreditation, the ABA told the HBCU it would need to build an entirely new facility. However, the ABA has not provided Texas Southern University with an exact deadline to do so.
In a previous legislative session two years ago, Texas Southern University requested $415 million for capital improvements, but their request was denied. This year, the HBCU has requested a total of $202 million, including $50 million to address infrastructure concerns with other campus buildings.
While this new funding for Texas Southern University is not currently included in the state’s initial spending plan, lawmakers have until June 2 to pass a budget.
