Science Building Named For Chancellor
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In a move that caught even the
Chancellor himself by surprise, the
Board of Trustees announced that the
New Science Building will be named in
honor of Dr. Charles “A” Lyons.
The Board made their announ
cement at the quarterly board meeting
on September 23. Observers said it was
the first time they had ever seen Chan
cellor Lyons speechless. Having the
science building named after him
during his tenure not only recognizes
his outstanding efforts in securing that
building and other improvements at
FSU, but also shows the high esteem in
which he is held.
Dr. Lyons has served as chancellor
since 1969.
New Science Building
Chancellor Charles “A” Lyons
fSu
WOICE
SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES
UNC, HEW Settle
Volume 36, Number 1
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.
Sept. 30,1981
Supports Black Colleges
Regan Signs Executive Order
By Jacquelyn Stewart
President Reagan has signed an
executive order designed “to stregn-
then the capacity of historically Black
colleges and universities to provide
quality education, and to overcome the
effects of discriminatory treatment.”
FSU’s Chancellor, Dr. Charles “A”
Lyons, along with other leaders and
supporters of Black colleges, met with
Mr. Reagan on the day of the signing.
Dr. Lyons sees the order as “clear
evidence” that the Reagan ac-
ministration “unequivocally supports
the historically Black colleges.”
Under the provisions of the order,
the Secretary of Education will an
nually supervise the development of a
federal program designed to achieve a
significant increase in the participation
by Black colleges and unversities in
federally sponsored programs.
In a press conference after his return
from Washington, Dr. Lyons ex
pressed pleasure that the order also ad
dresses the government’s plans to seek
involvement of the private sector in ef
forts to strengthen Black colleges. He
said that he did not foresee any
diminution in BEOG and Title HI
programs due to private sector in
volvement.
Responding to a question on cor
porate control through funding. Dr.
Lyons made it clear that he does “not
anticipate that corporate America or
any funding source will control the in
stitution’s freedom to teach and search
for truth.”
President Reagan, in an effort to
further cut federal spending, is
proposing the abolition of the Depar
tment of Education according to an
Associated Press release. The AP
story, appearing two days after the
signing of the excutive order, attributes
government sources as saying Secretary
of Education T.H. Bell recommended
that his department be transformed in
to a foundation.
How this would effect the executive
order is not yet known. But for now.
Dr. Lyons sees the order as a “concrete
way of putting his (Reagan’s) ad
ministration behind the Black
colleges.”
Fall Convocation
The 1981-82 school year was officially opened with the Fall Convocation held
September 10 at Seabrook Auditorium.
This year’s address was given by Dr. Herbert Reid, Charles E. Houston
Distinguished Professor of Law, Howard University School of Law. Dr. Reid
spoke on the background events leading to the UNC/Department of Education
Consent Decree.
Members of state, county and city governments as well as representatives of the
Alumni, Board of Trustees, SGA, faculty and staff were on hand to offer
greetings.
A special highlight of this year’s convocation was the presentation of
Meritorious Service Awards to former Trustees in recognition of their service and
devotion to FSU.
Consent Decree Issued
Eleven years of wrangling between the University of North Carolina and the
Department of Education has been resolved by the two parties.
While UNC steadfastly maintains that it was never in violation of the fourteen
th amendment or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it has established a set
of guidelines and objectives to satisfy the Department of Education.
The decree documents UNC’s charge that the Department of Education’s in
tervention in the matter of desegregation is unconstitutional and that the Depar
tment has violated UNC’s constitutional rights.
A goal of 15 percent minority enrollment for predominantly black universities
and 10.6 percent minority enrollment for predominantly white institutions has
been set in the decree. This disproportionate minority enrollment for black
universities has drawn criticism from the North Carolina Association of Black
Student Governments (NCABSG).
According to Everette Johnson, SGA president at FSU, the NCABSG also
questions the fact that the decree does not say what steps white universities will
take to keep black students once they are enrolled.
The decree sets various recruiting guidelines for achieving its goals of racial
mix. Many blacks in academic circles are concerned that these recruiting
measurements will result in the white universities’ minority goals being met with
only the top black students of the state.
The decree also states that the ratio of state financial support to black univer
sities is equal to that of white universities. UNC will continue to maintain that
parity.
For FSU, which already has a minority enrollment of 15 percent, the consent
decree offers few changes. In its long-range planning, 1980-1985, the decree states
that FSU will be changed from a general baccalaureate to a comprehensive in
stitution. However, FSU is currently a conprehensive institution. The decree
authorizes for planning three new baccalaureate degree programs and three
master’s degree programs at FSU.
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Cumberland County Sheriff, Otis Jones (r), President of the N.C. Sheriff’s
Association, presents a checit for $1,500 to Chancellor Charles “A”
Lyons (c), and Dr. Jaci( Hill, Chairman of the FSU Foundation’s Steering
Committee. The money will be used as a scholarship. (FSU photo by
Charles Mooney)