Suspended president of SC State University sues school

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The suspended president of financially troubled South Carolina State University is suing the school for breaking his contract and asking the court to delay his expected firing.

Thomas Elzey sued SC State on Tuesday, a day before trustees meet privately to get legal advice. Last week, they put Elzey on paid leave and promised to have more information on his fate Wednesday.

The lawsuit seeks to maintain his paid-leave status until the lawsuit is resolved. Meanwhile, the Legislature moved closer to firing all trustees.

A House panel advanced a measure that would put the state’s financial oversight board temporarily in charge of South Carolina’s only public historically black university. It would also fire Elzey.

The Senate voted to give priority status to similar legislation, clearing the way for floor debate.