Clarksville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to hold press conference regarding investigation of Austin Peay State University (APSU).

On Saturday, May 31, 2003, at 11:00 a.m., at the Clarksville Chamber Commerce, the Clarksville Branch NAACP lead investigator, Mr. Jimmie M. Garland Sr., will update the public on its investigation of APSU. The NAACP is following up on concerns of students and most recently African American faculty members and staff who argue that a "hostile racial environment" exists at APSU.

To the Media:

Immediate Release: Clarksville, Tennessee

Clarksville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to hold press conference regarding investigation of Austin Peay State University (APSU).

On Saturday, May 31, 2003, at 11:00 a.m., at the Clarksville Chamber Commerce, the Clarksville Branch NAACP lead investigator, Mr. Jimmie M. Garland Sr., will update the public on its investigation of APSU. The NAACP is following up on concerns of students and most recently African American faculty members and staff who argue that a "hostile racial environment" exists at APSU.

Students have unsuccessfully negotiated with APSU President Dr. Sherry Hoppe and Vice President, Dr. Bruce Speck for months, and now Dr. Charles Manning, Chancellor of Tennessee Board of Regents, is a part of the negotiations.

"We, the investigation committee, recently received a compliant from a faculty member which leads us to believe there is a level of racial hostility on the campus. We will discuss this compliant in detail at the press conference," said Jimmie M. Garland Sr., NAACP, 1st Vice President.

Mr. Turner McCullough, a member of the investigating committee, is concerned about the APSU's staff lackadaisical attitude toward the entire NAACP investigation. "We have requested documents from the University in order to investigate the students and faculty complaints with accuracy; however, we are being met with recalcitrance, despite promises of full cooperation from the Chancellor. Dr. Hoppe has said repeatedly that we must look at the facts, therefore in the interest of fairness we should be provided the public records that we requested," McCullough said.

African American students at APSU are concerned about the disproportionate number of African American faculty, staff, and administration affected by the recent budget cuts and an academic reorganization plan which places the African American Studies program in the Department of History and Philosophy. Students also are very concerned with an increase in incidents of racial profiling and of harassment by campus security while peacefully assembling. In addition, APSU is being investigated by the Tennessee State Black Caucus Legislative body.

On April 15, 2003, more than one hundred students demonstrated in front of President Hoppe's office.

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Press Coordinator: Mr. Terry McMoore, 931 552-9076, Clarksville Branch NAACP Press Coordinator, terrymcmoore@hotmail.com