State Rep. Vincent Dixie sent a letter to State Comptroller Jason Mumpower concerning comments made by the commissioner during recent State Building Commission meetings regarding Tennessee State University and the school’s former president, Dr. Glenda Glover. The letter was cosigned by members of the Tennessee Black Caucus:

“Comptroller Mumpower,

“After viewing the last meeting of the State Building Commission, we feel compelled to reach out to you to address concerns that we have about your comments and conduct during the discussions about Tennessee State University (TSU). More specifically, comments that were directed to Interim President Dwayne Tucker and Board Chair Dakasha Winton that we feel were both unprofessional and inappropriate.

“Your aggressive line of questioning regarding whether TSU has severed all ties with its former president, Dr. Glenda Glover, even down to a ‘parking place’ demonstrated a lack of respect and understanding. Your assertion that Dr. Glover ‘made out like a bandit while leaving only a legacy of dysfunction’ is deeply troubling. Dr. Glover has been an asset to the university in many ways and has brought national acclaim to the institution. During discussions about the future of the university, you seem to go out of your way to disparage and disrespect Dr. Glover. Your attempts to undermine her legacy are unwarranted and unacceptable.

“The suggestion of selling TSU assets to developers raises serious ethical concerns. Rather than proposing solutions that could destabilize the university further, we need to focus on supporting TSU, particularly given its long history of underfunding compared to peer institutions such as the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK).

“TSU has faced systemic, historic underfunding, and it is troubling for the state of Tennessee to spend decades diverting resources from TSU while criticizing the institution’s financial stability. TSU’s challenges require collaboration and equitable support, not condemnation or divisive rhetoric.

“The Comptroller is expected to serve all Tennesseans without bias or political motivation, but recent actions by you, intentional or otherwise, could cast doubt about your motives. It is troubling to us that you appear to adopt the most aggressive stance possible when addressing issues concerning historically Black institutions and communities, such as TSU and Mason, Tennessee. This pattern could cause some to raise questions about fairness and equity in your approach to your duties. It is critical that state officials prioritize fairness, equity, and success for all under their purview, especially those serving historically underrepresented communities.

“Tennessee State University deserves respect and the resources necessary to continue its legacy of excellence. Comptroller Mumpower, we would ask you to take a step back, reconsider your approach, and join efforts to strengthen TSU, rather than undermine its progress.”