http://www.ihl.state.ms.us/newsstory.asp?ID=341

COURT AFFIRMS BOARD'S AUTHORITY ON USM GAMING COURSES

7/5/2005 (JACKSON ) -
On Friday, the Chancery Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County upheld the right of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) to approve gaming management courses to be taught at the University of Southern Mississippi.  The decision, released July 1 by Judge Patricia Wise, concluded that, “the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning possess the authority to manage and control the State’s colleges and universities under Article 8, Section 213-A of the Mississippi Constitution, and such authority includes the approval of content of academic programs offered in those institutions.  The Court finds that the Board of Trustees was within its Constitutional authority to approve the curriculum proposed by the University of Southern Mississippi.”  Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Crofts said of the ruling, “We were pleased that Judge Wise reaffirmed the ongoing Constitutional authority of the Board of Trustees to manage and control the state’s universities.”
                                             
In April, 2004, the College Board approved a USM course of study which would lead to a bachelor of science in business administration in tourism with an emphasis in casino and resort management.  The six new courses approved as part of that curriculum are Tourism Management; Technology and Casino/Resort Operations; Casino and Resort Marketing; Casino and Resort Financial Analysis; Regulatory, Legal and Securities Aspects of Casino Operations; and Casino and Resort Operations Management II.  In May of 2004, the Attorney General issued an opinion which concluded that the Board’s actions were precluded by State law.  Friday’s decision reversed that opinion.
 
 
 
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