The state of Massachusetts is set to open their first public law school this fall, pending approval by the state board of education, through a merger with the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.
UMass-Dartmouth is expected to acquire the Southern New England School of Law, providing future law students the opportunity to obtain an affordable education, officials said.
The School of Law offered to donate itself to UMass back in October. Since that time, officials at the University have not wavered from their commitment in favor of the motion.
The Board of Higher Education will vote on Feb. 2, according to Robert Ward, dean of Southern New England School of Law.
According to The Boston Globe, legislators on either side of the issue have voiced their concerns regarding the funding of the project. Some worry that taxation may be involved in sustaining the school. UMass spokesperson Robert Connolly said he was confident that would not happen.
Representatives from the state’s other law schools have showed no opposition to the acquirement of Southern New England. Boston University School of Law Dean Maureen O’Rourke told The Daily Free Press that the effects would likely be minimal.
