Why are universities considered untouchable? Why can't they be shut down?

quote:

---

"House subcommittee votes to shut down SC State for one fiscal year"

The Higher Education Subcommittee's plan would shut down the university on July 1, 2015 for fiscal year 2015-2016 and reopen in 2017. That plan would suspend all athletics programs, fire President Thomas Elzey, dismiss faculty and state employees, terminate the Board of Trustees.

During that year of closure, a Blue Ribbon Committee would look at the school's finances, rehire necessary staff, reconstitute the athletics programs, and set curriculum before reopening the doors.

The state would also foot the bill for the university's debts and loans.

Meanwhile, South Carolina State students would be relocated to schools around the state and their college would be paid for as long as a student maintains a 2.5 GA.

Tuesday's vote is just step one of what could be another protracted battle to keep the university afloat. The proviso still must be voted on by the full House Ways and Means Committee, the full House of Representatives, and the Senate before going to Gov. Nikki Haley's desk.

Haley's press secretary, Chaney Adams, said the governor understands the frustrations of the subcommittee. "SC State's leadership has been unable to provide straight answers on the condition of the schools finances for months, something she finds totally unacceptable,” Adams said.

---