Mayor, City Council President React to May 31 Closing of Birmingham-Southern College

By Barnett Wright The Birmingham Times Birmingham-Southern College will close on May 31, after more than a century as one of the city’s most respected institutions. “This is a tragic day for the college, our students, our employees, and our alumni, and an outcome so many have worked tirelessly to prevent,” Rev. Keith Thompson, chairman of the BSC Board of Trustees said in an announcement to alumni. “We understand the devastating impact this has on each of you, and we will now direct our efforts toward ensuring the smoothest possible transition for everyone involved.” There are approximately 700 students enrolled at BSC this semester. “Word of the decision to close Birmingham Southern College is disappointing and heartbreaking to all of us who recognize it as a stalwart of our community,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said in a statement. “I’ve stood alongside members of our City Council to protect this institution and its proud legacy of shaping leaders. It’s frustrating that those values were not shared by lawmakers in Montgomery.” Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn said news of the closing was “devastating” on multiple levels. “This is devastating for the students, faculty members, families and everyone affiliated with this historic...