FAMU & BCU remain strongly against Orlando-bound MEAC/SWAC Challenge

The Presidents of Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman Universities this afternoon issued a joint statement this afternoon, denying published reports that the two schools support the Orlando-bound MEAC/SWAC Challenge football game.

"We wish to correct the information that was erroneously printed in the Tallahassee Democrat," the Presidents said.

"As we have made clear in earlier statements, we do not support any historically black college or university athletic event in Orlando. We believe such a contest would negatively impact the annual Florida Classic. In addition to being a much-loved tradition for our alumni, the Florida Classic is a critical revenue source for both B-CU and FAMU. It is our strong belief that scheduling a football event in Orlando prior to the Florida Classic will erode its brand and put this critical funding source at risk," they wrote.

The statement went on to say, "we have advised MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas of our concerns, noting that Historically Black Colleges and Universities should not infringe on each other’s markets for signature events, whether it be the Florida Classic in Orlando or the Bayou Classic in New Orleans."

In addition, we want to dispel a rumor that the Florida Classic will move to Miami in 2009. This is also not true, the statement said.

Click on the letter to enlarge and read the full statement.