State college board pays $330,000 to settle discrimination lawsuit over 2023 Jackson State presidential search
Mississippi’s college board paid $330,000 to Debra Mays-Jackson, a former Jackson State University administrator, to resolve a sex discrimination lawsuit that challenged the 2023 presidential search process and decisions trustees used to select former President Marcus Thompson.
The college board did not admit any liability as part of the settlement, and Mays-Jackson, the former JSU vice president and chief of staff, agreed not to apply for another job at Jackson State or any other public universities governed by the college board.
Mississippi Today obtained the six-page agreement through a public records request.
Jackson State homecoming parade to take new route
Jackson State University is gearing up for its 2026 Homecoming Celebration.
“Thee Greatest Show,” will take place Oct. 10-17 in Jackson. The annual Homecoming Parade will take place Oct. 17, but because of ongoing construction on the JSU campus, the route has been adjusted.
The parade will begin at the Prentiss Street roundabout, proceed along Robert Smith Parkway, turn right onto Dalton Street at the roundabout and proceed to the T.B. Ellis Building, where the parade will conclude.