Texas Southern University once again finds itself at the center of state scrutiny—and this time, the battle over accountability, autonomy, and race is colliding in full public view.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick have ordered the Texas Rangers to investigate the historic university after a state audit uncovered what officials described as “significant financial and operational weaknesses” in its procurement and accounting systems. The move comes as Patrick calls for a possible freeze on TSU’s state funding, saying “no more state dollars should go to TSU until this is cleared up.”
That decision could significantly impact the university’s operations for its 9,000 students and 1,400 faculty and staff.
“Everyone involved must be held accountable, from school employees to contractors, going back as many years as there are questionable records and practices,” Patrick said. “I don’t want one more taxpayer dollar spent until this issue is resolved,” Patrick said. “The losers are not only Texas taxpayers, but the students of TSU, having no idea that funding meant for their quality education was either fraudulently spent or thrown away by sloppy, unprofessional accounting processes.”
TSU, which operates outside of any state university system, is slated to receive $123 million in state funding in fiscal year 2026, nearly half of its projected $248 million operating budget.
The TSU Board of Regents released a statement acknowledging the university has faced “historical challenges related to financial oversight, procurement practices, and compliance with prior state audits.” The board said these issues “have persisted across multiple administrations and now are being addressed.”
“An ongoing, self-initiated internal examination of the University’s procedures identified process deficiencies, and the efforts to address these were conveyed to the State Auditor’s team at the outset of this process,” James M. Benham, Chairman of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, wrote in a statement. “University officials have been cooperating with the State Auditor since the audit’s inception and look forward to the opportunity to meet with the state’s team later this week to review and address the audit findings, as well as presenting the University’s reform efforts already underway.”
Questions of accountability and autonomy
For some state leaders, the audit’s findings demand action. For others, the timing and tone of the state’s response raise red flags about political motivations and historical inequities in how Black institutions are treated.
State Sen. Borris Miles, who represents TSU’s district, said the situation is “deeply concerning” — but also troubling in how it was handled.
“If the allegations of financial mismanagement and misuse of state funds are true, this is unacceptable,” Miles said. “We must implement changes to ensure that TSU complies with state regulations while continuing its important role in advancing higher education.”
Still, Miles criticized state leaders for failing to notify him earlier about the ongoing audit.
“This audit has been going on for months, and I am highly disappointed that I was not informed and found out this information at the same time as the public,” he said.
He also warned that the situation could become a pretext for undermining TSU’s independence.
“I hope these allegations are not another attempt by the State to strip this university of its independence and force it into a state system,” Miles said. “While oversight, reform, and transparency are necessary, we must also preserve TSU’s autonomy and its mission to serve underrepresented communities.”
State Rep. Ron Reynolds, a TSU alumnus, went further, calling the investigation a “politically motivated attack.”
“When issues arise at other state schools, they are met with resources and support. When it’s TSU, the response is an investigation led by the Texas Rangers. That double standard is clear, and it will not go unchecked.”
State Rep. Ron Reynolds
“I am outraged and deeply offended by Governor Abbott’s decision to target one of the most historic and transformative institutions in Texas,” Reynolds said. “This is not about accountability. This is about humiliation, control, and another attempt to tear down a beacon of Black excellence.”
Reynolds pointed to TSU’s record of producing trailblazers like Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Al Green, and Michael Strahan, arguing that the university has long uplifted Black Texans and shaped state and national leadership.
“When issues arise at other state schools, they are met with resources and support. When it’s TSU, the response is an investigation led by the Texas Rangers,” Reynolds said. “That double standard is clear, and it will not go unchecked.”
State Rep. Jolanda Jones questioned the governor’s role in the matter, noting that Abbott appoints the school’s board of regents.
“If there’s any malfeasance going on, what does that have to do with the university when you appointed the people who run the university?” Jones said. “This is yet another example of (Abbott’s) long pattern of attacking Black students, Black communities, and historically Black institutions since he’s been in office. He has repeatedly gone after TSU, Prairie View, and other Black-led institutions while failing to hold his own appointees accountable.”
Audit findings and University response
According to State Auditor Lisa Collier, staffing shortages at TSU contributed to “significant financial and operational weaknesses related to asset management, procurement and contracting, and financial reporting.” Among the findings:
- 743 invoices worth $282.2 million tied to expired vendor contracts
- 8,144 invoices totaling $158 million dated before approval
- Delayed financial statements — 10 months late in 2023, four months late in 2024
The audit, which began in May, is still ongoing. Collier said she plans to meet with TSU officials, and a final report has not yet been released.
TSU officials stated that they have already addressed some of the findings, including the installation of a new procurement system and the hiring of additional financial staff.
“We look forward to gaining clarity and continuing to work with the state auditor to ensure transparency for all taxpayers of Texas,” the university said in a statement.
A history of financial turmoil
TSU has faced scrutiny in the past over admissions scandals, financial management issues, and contracting problems, and has experienced turnover among presidents, board members, and school officials. TSU supporters have staunchly defended their status as the last independent public university in the state.
“This is beyond frustrating,” said Jones, who is a TSU alum. “What other university has its audit findings put on blast by the governor? They’re putting this out like TSU is mismanaging money, when the majority of their allegations are paperwork issues (which I’m all for fixing). But this ‘Oh here the Black folks go stealing again’ trope is old and played out. This is them laying the groundwork to move us to a state system.”
However, alumni J. King said that, regardless of whether this is an attack or not, TSU has to take some accountability. “If we don’t take care of business internally, someone else will do it for us — and not in our best interest,” King said. We can’t keep blaming the state for everything. The truth is, our house has not always been in order. And we give them the ammunition to attack us. We know they are looking for any reason to bring us down. It’s time we stop giving them reasons.”
