By WALB News Team | July 23, 2019 at 3:38 PM EDT - Updated July 25 at 9:53 AM

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Albany State University’s (ASU) president released a statement Tuesday in response to a House representative’s opposition to Senate Bills 273 and 278.

Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), also dean of the Georgia House, wrote a letter to Steve Wrigley, University System of Georgia (USG) chancellor, strongly opposing the bills.

ASU President Marion Ross Fredrick issued a statement in response to Symre’s opposition of the bills.

“We appreciate the response of Rep. Calvin Smyre in his letter to Chancellor Steve Wrigley in opposition to Senate Bills 273 and 278. Representative Smyre is a strong supporter of our schools and has been in direct contact with all three HBCU presidents regarding SB 273 and 278. Rep. Smyre has asked the difficult questions and ascertained the negative impact that this bill would have on our institution. Albany State University