Students at Tennessee State University have begun exploring pathways to reclaim $2.1 billion. That’s the amount federal agencies say Tennessee owes the school after decades of underfunding.

TSU student trustee Shaun Wimberly Jr. said $2.1 billion of investment could have completely changed the educational experience. 

“We’re left to sit here as students, as alumni, as faculty and wonder: What could our university have been?” he said during a press conference.

Student leaders say housing, facilities and academic programs all could have been more competitive with other schools across the state. 

More: Tennessee shorted TSU by more than $2B according to analysis from the Biden administration

Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump traveled to the school to stand with students and university leaders Tuesday.

Attorney Ben Crump traveled to TSU for a town hall meeting about $2.1 billion in underfunding from the state of Tennessee.

Crump is known for representing the families of police killing victims, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Tyre Nichols. He explained to a crowd in the Kean Hall gymnasium why he showed up for the university’s town hall meeting.

“I believe in fighting not just when you have these unjustified police shooting cases. I believe we have to fight racism and discrimination wherever it rears its ugly head.”

Crump led the crowd in a call and response, saying he wanted to ensure that the point of the meeting was crystal clear. 

“It is true,” he chanted. “They stole $2 billion from TSU.”

Crump said the underfunding points to deeper issues of inequity. He said it caused the school to miss out on opportunities that could have served students and the wider community.

“If they would have been given that $2 billion, maybe you could have had a Black law school in the state of Tennessee, a Black engineering school here at Tennessee State University.”

Students say they want to work with state legislators to address the funding gap. But if that doesn’t pan out, Crump says they have legal options. 

More: How Tennessee officials are responding to TSU’s call to make up for $2.1 billion in underfunding

Alexis Marshall WPLN News

Attorney Ben Crump speaks at the TSU rally.

Vice President of Student Affairs Frank Stevenson said he’s optimistic about collaborating with the General Assembly. He said he believes Tennessee can be a leader, showing the other 15 states in the federal analysis how to make a deal quickly.

“I would say to the state legislature: The same way they have held us accountable as administrators … get ready for these students to do the same when they have questions and come downtown to talk about how you can make right this situation,” Stevenson said.

State legislators were highly critical of university leadership earlier this year after an unflattering audit. The General Assembly also approved an additional forensic audit of the university, the results of which could be used in court.

TSU’s Student Government Association president, Derrell Taylor, said students are committed to recovering the $2.1 billion.

“We will not stand down, and we will not let this moment pass by,” Taylor said.