Savannah State University ( Savannah State or SSU ) is a public historically black university in Savannah, Georgia . It is the oldest historically black public university in the state. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund .
101-653: Savannah State operates four colleges: College of Business Administration , College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences , College of Sciences and Technology and the Savannah State University College of Education. Savannah State University was founded as a result of the Second Morrill Land Grant Act of August 30, 1890. The act mandated that southern and border states develop land grant colleges for black students, as their systems were segregated. On November 26, 1890,
202-519: A law criminalizing same-sex sexual acts in Belize (ruled unconstitutional in 2016). The ADF denied playing any role in the case. In the United Kingdom, ADF International advocated in favor of a mother's custody of her child, against the custody of the child's father and his same-sex partner. ADF also has links to the former prime minister of Australia, Tony Abbott , an outspoken opponent of
303-418: A 6–3 vote. The organization has worked to prevent transgender athletes from playing sports with the gender they identify with, through lawsuits and by lobbying state legislatures. In April 2022, ADF-affiliated lawyers defended a professor at Shawnee State University , Ohio, who refused to use preferred pronouns when referring to a transgender student; the university agreed to a $ 400,000 settlement with
404-465: A donation from Alliance Defending Freedom. ADF is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Net assets were approximately $ 49 million in 2020, $ 57 million in 2021, and $ 78.5 million in 2022. ADF won a Supreme Court case that ended California's requirement for non-profits to release the names of their major donors, Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta (2021). Thus, while donors' identities are reported on federal tax returns, that information
505-423: A married mother and father." ADF provided legal support to the defendants in two Supreme Court cases dealing with the intersection of freedom of religion against Colorado's anti-discrimination laws for public-serving businesses, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018) and 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2022); in both cases, the underlying issue was whether Christian business owners, under
606-669: A new course in environmental regulations, so students can deepen understanding of policy and implementation issues. The program also helps them learn about specific environmental topics. Savannah State established an honors program for qualified high-achieving and ambitious undergraduate students. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools , Savannah State University also has achieved fully accredited programs in specialized areas of science and engineering: Additionally,
707-483: A number of cases before the Supreme Court, taking positions including support for religious activity in public school and Christian prayer at town meetings , narrowing insurance coverage for contraceptives , prohibiting same-sex marriage , and supporting businesses in the wedding industry that refuse to service gay marriages. ADF lawyers wrote the model for Mississippi's anti-abortion legislation, leading to
808-600: Is a public historically black university in Savannah, Georgia . It is the oldest historically black public university in the state. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund . Savannah State operates four colleges: College of Business Administration , College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences , College of Sciences and Technology and the Savannah State University College of Education. Savannah State University
909-624: Is accredited by the ACEJMC. The Master of Social Work program has been granted accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Office of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research coordinates the university's instructional, research and service programs. Oversight is provided by the University System of Georgia , the organizational body that sets goals and dictates general policy to all public educational institutions in
1010-746: Is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer bachelor's degrees as well as the Master of Public Administration , the Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning and Master of Social Work . The bachelor's degree and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The MPA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration . The Mass Communications Department
1111-523: Is expected to occur for the 2019-20 academic year. The Georgia school would end its membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which it joined in 2010 The school gained notoriety when they finished the 2004–2005 men's basketball season a winless 0–28, the first Division I team to do so since Prairie View A&M University in 1991–1992. The team's final game (a 49–44 loss to Florida A&M )
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#17327909146241212-471: Is governed by the Georgia Board of Regents and dispenses public funds (allocated by the state's legislature) to Savannah State, excluding lottery-funded HOPE Scholarships. The university's endowment was $ 2,433,508. As of FY05, the university's budget was $ 42,155,964. In FY06, the university received $ 7,725,311 in research, instruction, and public service contracts and grants. Savannah State University
1313-692: Is incorporated in a number of European countries under "ADF International": Belgium, Germany (as ADF International Deutschland), France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Austria (as ADF International Austria GmbH). The organization also lobbies the European Union Parliament via ADF International Belgium, which participates in the intergroup organization "Freedom of Religion and Religious Tolerance." As part of EU advocacy, its members have presented on issues including Christian minority persecution in Iraq and Myanmar. ADF International's budget
1414-484: Is justified, because "We look like a social service agency, but we're a community of Christ followers and our faith in Christ is the most important part of who we are." A Catholic woman sued the agency after being rejected on the basis of religion, but the agency later changed its rules to permit "Catholics who affirm Miracle Hill's doctrinal statement in belief and practice to serve as foster parents and employees." At
1515-431: Is located approximately 5 miles (8 km) east southeast from the center of Savannah, 250 miles (402 km) from Atlanta , and 120 miles (193 km) from Jacksonville, Florida . The campus is accessible from Interstate 95 and Interstate 16 . Spanish moss drapes the dense live oak trees , while palm trees , magnolias , and a wide variety of azaleas , camellias , and other native plants are scattered throughout
1616-610: Is not required to be made public under IRS regulations. The Servant Foundation donated over $ 50,000,000 to the Alliance Defending Freedom between 2018 and 2020, via the foundation's financial arm, The Signatry. The most public use of these funds has been the " He Gets Us " campaign during Super Bowl commercial breaks. Other donors include: the Green family , the Covenant Foundation,
1717-720: Is one of the most organized and influential Christian legal interest groups in the United States based on its budget, caseload, network of allied attorneys, and connections to significant members of the political right . Mike Johnson , a former ADF attorney, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on October 25, 2023. Others who have been associated with ADF include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett , former vice president Mike Pence , former attorneys general William Barr and Jeff Sessions , and Senator Josh Hawley . ADF attorneys have argued
1818-488: Is provided by the University System of Georgia , the organizational body that sets goals and dictates general policy to all public educational institutions in the state. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) authorized the university to offer graduate degrees. Savannah State is a public institution , receiving funds from the State of Georgia, tuition, fees, research grants, private scholarship funds (including
1919-553: Is the first institution in the state of Georgia to offer the homeland security degree program. It was the second institution in the University System of Georgia to offer wireless internet connectivity to students throughout the campus. Portions of the Paramount Pictures movie The General's Daughter were filmed at historic Hill Hall on the campus during the summer of 1997. The film's director Simon West
2020-620: Is very clear that God is the one that raises up those in authority ... each of you, all of us." The organization pursues "strategies for reclaiming the judicial system as it was originally envisioned," most notably through litigation. The ADF has been involved in several United States Supreme Court cases that would permit use of public buildings and public funds for religious purposes, such as Rosenberger v. University of Virginia (1995) and Good News Club v. Milford Central School (2001). ADF also supports allowing Christian prayer at public town meetings (see Town of Greece v. Galloway ) and
2121-454: The 2020 presidential election and made false claims of voter fraud, Farris worked to overturn the election results , drafting a legal complaint with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the unsuccessful case Texas v. Pennsylvania . On October 1, 2022, Kristen Waggoner succeeded Farris as CEO and President of ADF, retaining her role as General Counsel. Since 2010, ADF's global arm, ADF International, has been increasingly active around
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#17327909146242222-716: The Alliance Defense Fund , is an American conservative Christian legal advocacy group that works to expand Christian religious liberties and practices within public schools and in government, outlaw abortion , and oppose LGBTQ rights . ADF is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona , with branch offices in several locations including Washington, D.C. , and New York . Its international subsidiary, Alliance Defending Freedom International, with headquarters in Vienna , Austria, operates in over 100 countries. ADF
2323-488: The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia elevated Savannah State College to the status of state university and the name was changed to Savannah State University. In 2008, a proposal was made to merge Savannah State University with Armstrong Atlantic State University , but it did not pass. Savannah State University is the first institution in the state of Georgia to offer the homeland security degree program. It
2424-896: The Bolthouse Foundation , the Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation , the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation , the Bradley Foundation , and the Charles Koch Institute. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust , one of largest charities in the Pacific Northwest , donated nearly $ 1,000,000 to ADF from 2007 to 2016. ADF's positions include supporting religion in public institutions, opposing LGBTQ rights, opposing abortion and contraception, and other positions aligned with conservative Christianity in
2525-758: The Georgia General Assembly passed legislation creating the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth. A preliminary session of the school was held in the Baxter Street School Building in Athens , where Richard R. Wright Sr. was principal. The college operated there for several months during 1891, before moving to its permanent location in Savannah on October 7, 1891, with Wright as
2626-640: The Reagan administration Attorney General's Commission on Pornography, which produced the 1986 Meese Report . Sears led the organization for over 20 years, until 2017. From 2017 to 2022, Michael Farris , the founder of Patrick Henry College , was CEO of ADF. Farris lobbied Congress for the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. He has been closely associated with the Christian homeschooling movement since
2727-510: The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of the plaintiff, represented by ADF, for the 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis case. The ruling sparked widespread criticism regarding whether the plaintiff lacked standing. These criticisms prompted several articles myth-busting the attackers on the plaintiff's standing. ADF has long opposed abortion , and has litigated to restrict access to abortion and contraception in
2828-576: The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the Tom Joyner Foundation ), and alumni contributions. The University System of Georgia is governed by the Georgia Board of Regents and dispenses public funds (allocated by the state's legislature) to Savannah State, excluding lottery-funded HOPE Scholarships. The university's endowment was $ 2,433,508. As of FY05, the university's budget was $ 42,155,964. In FY06,
2929-437: The birth control mandate in employee funded health plans violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 since there existed a less restrictive means of furthering the law's interest. The ADF's first president, CEO and Chief Counsel was Alan Sears, who was also a founder of the organization. Sears has been described as "an ardent antipornography crusader", and had previously served as staff executive director of
3030-528: The recriminalization of homosexual acts in the U.S. ( prior to 1962, sodomy had been a felony in every U.S. state ), filing a Supreme Court brief supporting Texas' sodomy law in the landmark Lawrence v. Texas case which declared sodomy laws unconstitutional; it linked homosexuality to pedophilia . ADF also opposes same-sex marriage and civil unions , as well as adoption by same-sex couples , based on its leaders' "belief that God created men, women, and families such that children thrive best in homes with
3131-521: The "brooding," "hot and steamy and sticky" "Southern Gothic" impression. The TLC show Trading Spaces filmed an episode ("Savannah: SSU Steppers") on the campus on September 7–9, 2007, as two spaces in the King-Frazier Student Center were transformed by members of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. The episode premiered on Nov. 17, 2007. Commissioned II Love, an evangelical Christian campus group, with
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3232-420: The 1980s and is the founder of the Christian organization Home School Legal Defense Association , which offers legal representation to home-schooling parents. In 2016, Farris voiced opposition to Donald Trump 's candidacy for president , opining that "Trump most clearly fails the traditional standard championed by the Christian right on the subject of personal character." However, after Trump refused to concede
3333-446: The 201-acre (813,418.1 m) marsh -side campus. The original campus consisted of 86 acres (348,030 m) and three buildings (Boggs Hall, Parsons Hall and a farmhouse), with 51 acres (206,390 m) of the land serving as the school's farm. Several of the campus' older buildings were originally constructed by students and faculty members, and display architectural styles from the past century. The Georgia Historical Commission and
3434-408: The 2019-20 academic year. The Georgia school would end its membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, which it joined in 2010 The school gained notoriety when they finished the 2004–2005 men's basketball season a winless 0–28, the first Division I team to do so since Prairie View A&M University in 1991–1992. The team's final game (a 49–44 loss to Florida A&M )
3535-534: The ADF was part of a case in which the Supreme Court ruled that religious clubs must be afforded equal access to use public school facilities. In 2022, ADF took on a case defending a Tennessee-based Christian adoption agency that refused to work with Jewish prospective parents. The case, which names the State of Tennessee as a defendant for its law permitting religious organizations to reject applicants based on faith,
3636-709: The Africana studies exhibit, the Dean of Humanities and faculty offices, Public Administration/Urban Studies, and the Social Work and Social and Behavioral Sciences departments. The student body consists of approximately 3,800 graduate and undergraduate students, and 385 full-time instructional faculty. The university offers organized and informal co-curricular activities, including 75 student organizations, leadership workshops, 15 intramural activities, student publications and student internships. The SSU Wesleyan Gospel Choir
3737-489: The Baxter Street School Building in Athens , where Richard R. Wright Sr. was principal. The college operated there for several months during 1891, before moving to its permanent location in Savannah on October 7, 1891, with Wright as the first president. The school had five faculty members. Its eight students were all graduates of Edmund Asa Ware High School, the first public high school for blacks in Augusta . The campus
3838-641: The Chemistry department is American Chemical Society (ACS) certified. The bachelor and masters programs in Social Work are accredited by the ( Council on Social Work Education ), and the masters in Public Administration by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration . The College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International , and
3939-405: The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools , Savannah State University also has achieved fully accredited programs in specialized areas of science and engineering: Additionally, the Chemistry department is American Chemical Society (ACS) certified. The bachelor and masters programs in Social Work are accredited by the ( Council on Social Work Education ), and
4040-467: The Council on Social Work Education. The MPA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration . The Mass Communications Department is accredited by the ACEJMC. The Master of Social Work program has been granted accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Office of Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research coordinates the university's instructional, research and service programs. Oversight
4141-574: The Family ; D. James Kennedy , Evangelist pastor and founder of Coral Ridge Ministries ; Marlin Maddoux , a Christian radio radio personality ; Mark Siljander , former U.S. Congressman; and Alan Sears , former director of the Meese Commission and a devout Catholic . In its early years, Alliance Defense Fund funded legal cases rather than litigating directly. It particularly targeted
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4242-769: The Georgia Department of Natural Resources have recognized both the Savannah State campus and Hill Hall as a part of the Georgia Historical Marker Program. Walter Bernard Hill Hall, built between 1900 and 1901 by students studying manual arts and blacksmithing, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The facility had a variety of uses, including a bookstore, student center, male dormitory, and library. Needing too much renovation for continued use,
4343-696: The Mass Communications Department is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). CLASS is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer bachelor's degrees as well as the Master of Public Administration , the Master of Science in Urban Studies and Planning and Master of Social Work . The bachelor's degree and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by
4444-863: The NPHC, there are several other national fraternities and sororities registered on campus. The Tiger's Roar is the official student-produced newspaper of Savannah State University and provides both a print and online version. SSU operates WHCJ (FM) radio, which broadcasts 24 hours a day from the campus, covers all of Chatham County , and can also be heard in Effingham , Bryan , Beaufort , and Liberty counties. Established in 1975 and known as "the Voice of Savannah State University", WHCJ's current play formats include gospel, jazz, reggae, blues and salsa music, as well as talk shows, commentaries, and cultural enrichment programming. The Savannah State Tigers represent
4545-701: The NPHC, there are several other national fraternities and sororities registered on campus. The Tiger's Roar is the official student-produced newspaper of Savannah State University and provides both a print and online version. SSU operates WHCJ (FM) radio, which broadcasts 24 hours a day from the campus, covers all of Chatham County , and can also be heard in Effingham , Bryan , Beaufort , and Liberty counties. Established in 1975 and known as "the Voice of Savannah State University", WHCJ's current play formats include gospel, jazz, reggae, blues and salsa music, as well as talk shows, commentaries, and cultural enrichment programming. The Savannah State Tigers represent
4646-831: The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization to overrule Roe v. Wade that had established a right to abortion in America in 1973. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) designates ADF as an anti-LGBT hate group , saying in 2017 that since the election of President Donald Trump ADF had become "one of the most influential groups informing the [Trump] administration's attack on LGBTQ rights ". The ADF has taken many anti-LGBT positions: it opposes same-sex marriage , decriminalization of same-sex sexual activity , and anti-discrimination laws , and takes an active role in writing model anti- transgender bills for state legislators. The Alliance Defense Fund
4747-471: The US and in other countries. In the 2022 decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization , the Supreme Court upheld a Mississippi law that was the nation's first-ever 15-week abortion ban, thereby overturning Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). The Mississippi law was based on ADF's model legislation, specifically designed to provoke a legal challenge that would be appealed to
4848-692: The United States, after the German model, to educate teachers for elementary school students. With the expansion of towns across the US, and continuing issues in trying to educate four million freedmen and their descendants, there was an urgent need to establish many new schools and to train teachers quickly in the North and the South. States used normal schools for training teachers for primary school grades and sometimes secondary school as well. Normal schools or colleges tended to have two- or three-year programs. Gradually
4949-420: The United States, aimed at restricting transgender people's use of public bathrooms. In 2020, the ADF lost a Supreme Court case in which they argued that employers should be allowed to discriminate against transgender people. ADF attorneys defended a funeral home that fired a trans employee in the Supreme Court case, R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission , losing in
5050-538: The United States. Issue advocacy as a function of press releases (2017) According to materials for its donors, ADF seeks to spread a belief in "the framers' original intent for the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights as it reflects God's natural law and God's higher law." Before taking the oath of office as Speaker of the House of Representatives, current , former ADF lawyer Mike Johnson stated, "The Bible
5151-576: The anti-discrimination law, were compelled to create works with LGBT messaging that they said went against their Christian faith. In 2021, the Supreme Court declined to consider an appeal from ADF attorneys on behalf of a florist who refused to serve her clients' same-sex wedding , with three of the nine justices indicating they were willing to hear the case. The organization has worked internationally to prevent decriminalization of homosexuality in Jamaica and Belize. The SPLC has reported on ADF support for
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#17327909146245252-604: The assistance of The Alliance Defense Fund 's Center for Academic Freedom and the National Legal Foundation filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against Savannah State University and several university employees on March 1, 2007. The student group was recognized as an official organization in 2003 but was later suspended (April 10, 2006) and then expelled on September 11, 2006 after some students complained to university police that its members engaged in activities such as "foot washings" and "baptisms." At
5353-521: The assistance of The Alliance Defense Fund 's Center for Academic Freedom and the National Legal Foundation filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against Savannah State University and several university employees on March 1, 2007. The student group was recognized as an official organization in 2003 but was later suspended (April 10, 2006) and then expelled on September 11, 2006 after some students complained to university police that its members engaged in activities such as "foot washings" and "baptisms." At
5454-498: The building was closed in 1996. The university and community created the Hill Hall Restoration Project to raise money for the project. After restoration, the building was reopened in 2008. It houses the university's Enrollment Management Center, a presidential suite, administrative offices, a lecture hall, a banquet room, and a small museum. Tiger Arena is the 6,000-seat multi-purpose arena which serves as
5555-451: The campus' older buildings were originally constructed by students and faculty members, and display architectural styles from the past century. The Georgia Historical Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have recognized both the Savannah State campus and Hill Hall as a part of the Georgia Historical Marker Program. Walter Bernard Hill Hall, built between 1900 and 1901 by students studying manual arts and blacksmithing,
5656-451: The campus. In 1928, the college became a full four-year degree-granting institution and ended its high school and normal school programs. Normal schools had been created in the 19th century in many state systems in the United States, after the German model, to educate teachers for elementary school students. With the expansion of towns across the US, and continuing issues in trying to educate four million freedmen and their descendants, there
5757-625: The case by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Commenting on an earlier case in South Carolina, an ADF spokesperson expressed support for an evangelical foster care provider in South Carolina that rejects Jewish prospective parents, as well as LGBTQ people, atheists, and other non-Christians. The agency, Miracle Hill Ministries, is the largest foster and adoption agency in South Carolina and receives public funding; its president has stated that its religious discrimination policy
5858-761: The coast, the university's Marine Biology Department operates two research vessels: the R/V Sea Otter (a 35 ft (11 m) twin diesel vessel owned by NOAA ) and the R/V Tiger (a 22 ft (6.7 m) outboard work boat). In the fall of 2007 Savannah State teamed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to offer a new course in environmental regulations, so students can deepen understanding of policy and implementation issues. The program also helps them learn about specific environmental topics. Savannah State established an honors program for qualified high-achieving and ambitious undergraduate students. Accredited by
5959-439: The college became a full member institution of the University System of Georgia and its name was changed to Georgia State College. The college served as Georgia's land-grant institution for African-American students until 1947. The designation was then transferred to Fort Valley State College . In January 1950, the college changed its name to Savannah State College. With the growth in its graduate and research programs, in 1996
6060-465: The college changed its name to Savannah State College. With the growth in its graduate and research programs, in 1996 the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia elevated Savannah State College to the status of state university and the name was changed to Savannah State University. In 2008, a proposal was made to merge Savannah State University with Armstrong Atlantic State University , but it did not pass. Savannah State University
6161-421: The dense live oak trees , while palm trees , magnolias , and a wide variety of azaleas , camellias , and other native plants are scattered throughout the 201-acre (813,418.1 m ) marsh -side campus. The original campus consisted of 86 acres (348,030 m ) and three buildings (Boggs Hall, Parsons Hall and a farmhouse), with 51 acres (206,390 m ) of the land serving as the school's farm. Several of
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#17327909146246262-423: The dispute between the two parties. Savannah State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through the following colleges: Students may choose from 23 accredited undergraduate baccalaureate and 5 graduate master's degree programs offered through the university's colleges. The university has developed new partnerships that expand the range of programs and resources for students. Taking advantage of its location on
6363-410: The first president. The school had five faculty members. Its eight students were all graduates of Edmund Asa Ware High School, the first public high school for blacks in Augusta . The campus was built on the former lands of Placentia Plantation , including its colored cemetery. The college awarded its first baccalaureate degree in 1898. In 1921, the first female students were admitted as residents on
6464-399: The following sports: football , baseball , basketball (men and women), cross-country (men and women), tennis (men and women), track and field (men and women), volleyball (women only), golf (men), and softball (women). In April 2017 Savannah State University President Cheryl Dozier announced the school intends to reclassify all athletic programs to Division II The move back to Division II
6565-422: The following sports: football , baseball , basketball (men and women), cross-country (men and women), tennis (men and women), track and field (men and women), volleyball (women only), golf (men), and softball (women). In April 2017 Savannah State University President Cheryl Dozier announced the school intends to reclassify all athletic programs to Division II The move back to Division II is expected to occur for
6666-532: The home for the university's basketball team and athletic department offices. Ted A. Wright Football Stadium is the home of the university's football team and has an Olympic outdoor track. The 7,500-seat multi-purpose stadium opened in 1967. The track was constructed in 1995. On October 15, 2007, Savannah State broke ground on a new academic building which was dedicated on May 1, 2009. It includes 10 classrooms, three lecture rooms, three computer labs, and applied research and observation labs. The building also houses
6767-536: The largest legal force of the religious right , arguing hundreds of pro bono cases across the country." In 2014, ADF literature described part of its mission as "[seeking] to recover the robust Christendomic theology of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries." The ADF garnered national attention in its 2014 challenge to the Affordable Care Act . In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. , the Court ruled that
6868-521: The legalization of same-sex marriage in Australia. Abbott gave a speech to ADF regarding marriage in 2016. ADF opposes transgender rights based on an idea that "God creates each person with an immutable biological sex — male or female..." The organization has litigated against transgender employment protections, access to bathrooms, and participation in sports for transgender people. Members of ADF also authored model legislation for bathroom bills in
6969-407: The masters in Public Administration by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration . The College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International , and the Mass Communications Department is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). CLASS
7070-432: The normal schools were converted to full colleges with four-year curricula, or were left behind. In 1932, the college became a full member institution of the University System of Georgia and its name was changed to Georgia State College. The college served as Georgia's land-grant institution for African-American students until 1947. The designation was then transferred to Fort Valley State College . In January 1950,
7171-782: The professor. In Europe, ADF International has supported mandatory genital surgery (and consequent sterilization ) of transgender people before they are allowed to change the gender marker on government IDs . However, a decision by the European Court of Human Rights, A.P., Garçon and Nicot v. France , has led France, Greece, Portugal, and several other countries to allow non-medical pathways to gender marker change. In June 2022 several groups opposing trans rights, including Alliance Defending Freedom, WDI USA , Family Research Council and Women's Liberation Front , organized an anti-trans rally in Washington D.C. In June 2023,
7272-408: The range of programs and resources for students. Taking advantage of its location on the coast, the university's Marine Biology Department operates two research vessels: the R/V Sea Otter (a 35 ft (11 m) twin diesel vessel owned by NOAA ) and the R/V Tiger (a 22 ft (6.7 m) outboard work boat). In the fall of 2007 Savannah State teamed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to offer
7373-489: The request of South Carolina governor Henry McMaster , the Trump administration granted the organization a waiver of federal non-discrimination law. An ADF spokesperson indicated that the organization is "grateful [to] HHS and South Carolina" for granting the waiver, which allows the agency to continue to restrict fostering and adoption work to those who endorse evangelical beliefs. In 2003, ADF unsuccessfully called for
7474-409: The state. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) authorized the university to offer graduate degrees. Savannah State is a public institution , receiving funds from the State of Georgia, tuition, fees, research grants, private scholarship funds (including the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the Tom Joyner Foundation ), and alumni contributions. The University System of Georgia
7575-456: The time the university categorized such activities as hazing . On August 24, 2007, a federal judge denied the school's motion to have the case dismissed. The university and the organization reached and agreement allowing the group to re-register as a student organization, with "all rights, benefits and privileges" in February 2008. The settlement did not include any admission of wrongdoing by
7676-469: The time the university categorized such activities as hazing . On August 24, 2007, a federal judge denied the school's motion to have the case dismissed. The university and the organization reached and agreement allowing the group to re-register as a student organization, with "all rights, benefits and privileges" in February 2008. The settlement did not include any admission of wrongdoing by the university or any monetary award to Commissioned II Love, but ended
7777-545: The ultraconservative Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals , and then to the Supreme Court. ADF lawyers served on the Mississippi Attorney General's legal team to defend the ban. That strategy succeeded in ending the legal right to abortion in the United States, and giving states the power to restrict or ban medical care related to pregnancy termination. The ADF has links to at least one Justice of the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett . The ADF represents
7878-729: The university in college intercollegate athletics and are administered by the Savannah State University Athletic Department. The department dedicates about $ 2 million per year for its sports teams and facilities. Savannah State University holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and participates in
7979-422: The university in college intercollegate athletics and are administered by the Savannah State University Athletic Department. The department dedicates about $ 2 million per year for its sports teams and facilities. Savannah State University holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and participates in
8080-410: The university or any monetary award to Commissioned II Love, but ended the dispute between the two parties. Savannah State offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through the following colleges: Students may choose from 23 accredited undergraduate baccalaureate and 5 graduate master's degree programs offered through the university's colleges. The university has developed new partnerships that expand
8181-409: The university received $ 7,725,311 in research, instruction, and public service contracts and grants. Savannah State University is located approximately 5 miles (8 km) east southeast from the center of Savannah, 250 miles (402 km) from Atlanta , and 120 miles (193 km) from Jacksonville, Florida . The campus is accessible from Interstate 95 and Interstate 16 . Spanish moss drapes
8282-472: The university's Enrollment Management Center, a presidential suite, administrative offices, a lecture hall, a banquet room, and a small museum. Tiger Arena is the 6,000-seat multi-purpose arena which serves as the home for the university's basketball team and athletic department offices. Ted A. Wright Football Stadium is the home of the university's football team and has an Olympic outdoor track. The 7,500-seat multi-purpose stadium opened in 1967. The track
8383-427: The use of religious displays (such as crosses and other religious monuments) in public buildings and on public lands . ADF has argued that parents who object to sex education on religious grounds should have the right to opt not to have their children attend. The organization has been involved in many cases religious practice in public schools. In Good News Club v. Milford Central School (2001), for example,
8484-513: The work of the American Civil Liberties Union , which its founders saw as contributing to an erosion of Christian values . The Alliance Defense Fund changed its name to Alliance Defending Freedom in 2012. The name change was intended to reflect the organization's shift in focus from funding allied attorneys to directly litigating cases. By 2014 the organization had more than 40 staff attorneys, and had "emerged as
8585-800: The world. In 2015, ADF International stated that it had been involved in "over 500 cases before national and international tribunals," in the United States of America, Argentina, Honduras, India, Mexico, Peru, the European Union Court and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The organization reported 580 "ongoing legal matters" in fifty-one countries as of 2017, and had a budget of $ 11.5 million worldwide in 2020–2021. The organization established an affiliate group in India (ADF India) in 2012, headquartered in Delhi. In addition, ADF
8686-590: Was US$ 11.5 million (€9,489,000) in FY 2020–21. In the EU , the organization spent about $ 9.8 million (€8.7 million) from 2008 to 2016. In 2020, it reported a budget of about $ 2 million per year (£1.5 million), including approximately $ 430,000 on lobbying EU officials. Its registered EU lobbying group, ADF International Belgium, had five employees and a $ 585,000 budget for the 2022-23 financial year. In its financial disclosure information, ADF International Belgium lists its source as
8787-418: Was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. The facility had a variety of uses, including a bookstore, student center, male dormitory, and library. Needing too much renovation for continued use, the building was closed in 1996. The university and community created the Hill Hall Restoration Project to raise money for the project. After restoration, the building was reopened in 2008. It houses
8888-676: Was also broadcast on The Word Network . The choir performed with Ann Nesby during the 13th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival. The university band, nicknamed the "Powerhouse of the South", performs during Savannah State football games. They were featured performers in the Honda Battle of the Bands in 2004, 2005, & 2023. All nine of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations currently have chapters at Savannah State University. In addition to
8989-478: Was also broadcast on The Word Network . The choir performed with Ann Nesby during the 13th annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival. The university band, nicknamed the "Powerhouse of the South", performs during Savannah State football games. They were featured performers in the Honda Battle of the Bands in 2004, 2005, & 2023. All nine of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations currently have chapters at Savannah State University. In addition to
9090-411: Was an urgent need to establish many new schools and to train teachers quickly in the North and the South. States used normal schools for training teachers for primary school grades and sometimes secondary school as well. Normal schools or colleges tended to have two- or three-year programs. Gradually the normal schools were converted to full colleges with four-year curricula, or were left behind. In 1932,
9191-437: Was built on the former lands of Placentia Plantation , including its colored cemetery. The college awarded its first baccalaureate degree in 1898. In 1921, the first female students were admitted as residents on the campus. In 1928, the college became a full four-year degree-granting institution and ended its high school and normal school programs. Normal schools had been created in the 19th century in many state systems in
9292-826: Was constructed in 1995. On October 15, 2007, Savannah State broke ground on a new academic building which was dedicated on May 1, 2009. It includes 10 classrooms, three lecture rooms, three computer labs, and applied research and observation labs. The building also houses the Africana studies exhibit, the Dean of Humanities and faculty offices, Public Administration/Urban Studies, and the Social Work and Social and Behavioral Sciences departments. The student body consists of approximately 3,800 graduate and undergraduate students, and 385 full-time instructional faculty. The university offers organized and informal co-curricular activities, including 75 student organizations, leadership workshops, 15 intramural activities, student publications and student internships. The SSU Wesleyan Gospel Choir
9393-616: Was covered by several national sports organizations including ESPN . Savannah State University's competitive cheerleading team became the first team from a HBCU to win a national cheerleading title in February 2017. The 13-member team won a CheerSport National title for their top score routine. Alliance Defense Fund Defunct Newspapers Journals TV channels Websites Other Economics Gun rights Identity politics Nativist Religion Watchdog groups Youth/student groups Miscellaneous Other The Alliance Defending Freedom ( ADF ), formerly
9494-428: Was covered by several national sports organizations including ESPN . Savannah State University's competitive cheerleading team became the first team from a HBCU to win a national cheerleading title in February 2017. The 13-member team won a CheerSport National title for their top score routine. Savannah State University College of Business Administration Savannah State University ( Savannah State or SSU )
9595-580: Was dismissed on technical grounds. As of late July 2022, the case is being appealed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals on behalf of the couple and several other plaintiffs. On August 24, 2023, the Tennessee Court of Appeals reversed the trial-court panel's decision, agreeing that the Rutan-Rams and all the other plaintiffs have the right to bring the lawsuit. The Tennessee Department of Children's Services then filed an application seeking review of
9696-712: Was established in 1971. In 2004 the choir completed and released a live album, entitled RLW: "Revelation, Love, & Worship" . Members of the Wesleyan Gospel Choir participated in the NBCAHF Inaugural Gospel Explosion competition in 2006 and the International Gospel Retreat, which aired on The Word Network . In 2007 the choir performed at the Dr. Bobby Jones International Gospel Music Industry Retreat, which
9797-416: Was established in 1971. In 2004 the choir completed and released a live album, entitled RLW: "Revelation, Love, & Worship" . Members of the Wesleyan Gospel Choir participated in the NBCAHF Inaugural Gospel Explosion competition in 2006 and the International Gospel Retreat, which aired on The Word Network . In 2007 the choir performed at the Dr. Bobby Jones International Gospel Music Industry Retreat, which
9898-402: Was founded as a result of the Second Morrill Land Grant Act of August 30, 1890. The act mandated that southern and border states develop land grant colleges for black students, as their systems were segregated. On November 26, 1890, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation creating the Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth. A preliminary session of the school was held in
9999-542: Was founded by members of the Christian right movement to prevent what its founders saw as threats to religious liberty in American society. ADF was incorporated in 1993 by six conservative Christian men, most of whom belonged to evangelical movements. The co-founders were Bill Bright , who also founded Campus Crusade for Christ ; Larry Burkett , an evangelical financial advisor; James Dobson , founder of Focus on
10100-553: Was quoted as saying the campus and Savannah generally "had the most varied and interesting look" to represent the "brooding," "hot and steamy and sticky" "Southern Gothic" impression. The TLC show Trading Spaces filmed an episode ("Savannah: SSU Steppers") on the campus on September 7–9, 2007, as two spaces in the King-Frazier Student Center were transformed by members of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. The episode premiered on Nov. 17, 2007. Commissioned II Love, an evangelical Christian campus group, with
10201-426: Was the second institution in the University System of Georgia to offer wireless internet connectivity to students throughout the campus. Portions of the Paramount Pictures movie The General's Daughter were filmed at historic Hill Hall on the campus during the summer of 1997. The film's director Simon West was quoted as saying the campus and Savannah generally "had the most varied and interesting look" to represent
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