Birmingham-Southern College Closing May 31 As Loan Bill Fails to Gain Support: ‘This Is a Tragic Day’

After a long fight for a loan from the Alabama legislature, Birmingham-Southern College announced Tuesday that it will close its doors on May 31. The small, private liberal arts college announced last winter that, after years of financial troubles, it would need support from the state to stay open. Officials initially asked for $30 million in funding from the state legislature, $5 million from the city and considered a $2.5 million request from the county government.