Manning and No. 11 Texas want to keep momentum going against a Mississippi State team missing Taylor

Mississippi currently operates 23 public colleges and universities, sparking debate over whether the state can sustain them. Rep. Trey Lamar introduced House Bill 1284 in January, aiming to merge six community college districts to cut administrative costs. College leaders and students quickly opposed the bill, launching a petition to prevent it from passing. While the bill ultimately died in committee, the discussion over the need for 23 institutions remains relevant.

Lamar argued that the bill would reduce redundancy and save money, which would be reinvested into the community college system. Meridian Community College, serving Lauderdale County, overlaps with East Mississippi Community College's six-county district, highlighting the potential for tax inefficiencies. Population declines in certain districts, such as Coahoma County and Sunflower County, further support the idea of consolidation.

Cole Cooksey, a sophomore at Southwest Community College, launched a petition to "Stop The Progression of House Bill 1284" after concerns about the bill's potential impact on his school. The petition gained over 330 supporters in its first day and eventually 750 supporters when the bill failed to pass. Community colleges are seen as crucial for filling gaps in education and support for rural and underserved communities.

Legislators are also questioning the necessity of separate community college boards in areas with fewer residents, as well as the duplication of academic programs and services among overlapping communities. The state's eight public universities are also under scrutiny, with Sen. Nicole Boyd questioning whether these institutions provide the necessary credentials for job opportunities.