Clyburn calls for ouster of SC State’s president

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and his wife are calling for the ouster of South Carolina State University’s embattled president, saying Thomas Elzey has “minimal credibility” with lawmakers.

The Clyburns also said in a letter released Wednesday that Elzey has “precious little support” from alumni and supporters of their alma mater. The Clyburns graduated from South Carolina’s only public historically black college in 1961.

Later Wednesday, the House budget-writing committee is expected to vote on a proposal to temporarily close the financially troubled college, then reopen it in 2017 after a massive overhaul. The idea is not expected to pass, but it reflects legislators’ increasing frustration.

The Clyburns’ letter comes one week after the Legislative Black Caucus called on Elzey to resign. But Elzey refused, and the board stood behind him.