Morris Brown College Faces Accreditation and Legal Challenges

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Morris Brown College, a historically Black college in Atlanta, is facing a critical week as an independent evaluation team visits the campus to determine if the school should retain its accreditation. Adding to the school's troubles, a member of the college's own board of trustees has filed a lawsuit claiming Morris Brown did not pay her for her work as interim president.

Why it matters

Losing accreditation would be devastating for Morris Brown, as it would make the college ineligible for vital federal funding. The lawsuit from a board member also raises questions about the college's leadership and financial management at a pivotal time.

The details

The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in Fulton County Superior Court by Nzinga Shaw, who claims Morris Brown did not pay her for her work as interim president. This comes as an independent evaluation team visits the campus to determine if the college should retain its accreditation, which is crucial for receiving federal funding.

• The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
• The independent evaluation team is visiting the Morris Brown campus this week.

What’s next

The independent evaluation team will make a recommendation to the accrediting body on whether Morris Brown should retain its accreditation. The college will also have to respond to the lawsuit filed by Nzinga Shaw.