UNC law schools budget is cut but it could have been worse

RALEIGH -- The negotiated state budget deal leaves UNC’s law school with a cut of $500,000 – smaller than an earlier $4 million proposed reduction.

In recent weeks, prominent alumni of the UNC School of Law have worked to make their case to legislators, a strategy that may have lessened the budget blow on the school.

The Senate had wanted a $4 million, 30 percent reduction in the law school’s state appropriation, but the House budget included no cut. The smaller cut was negotiated between the two chambers. The final budget is up for a vote this week.

The law school’s total annual budget this fiscal year is $31 million.

The school has been a frequent target of the legislature. Two years ago, a $3 million cut was proposed but not approved. Some have suggested that the threatened cuts are meant to send a political message to the school.

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