SR639: SR639 Clark Atlanta University Day; recognize February 2, 2026

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes February 2, 2026 as Clark Atlanta University Day at the state capitol, citing the school's founding in 1988 from the merger of Atlanta University and Clark College, its role as the nation's first four-year liberal arts college serving a primarily African-American student population, and its academic and economic impact on Georgia. The resolution also commends the university's president, George T. French, Jr., for his leadership, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to Clark Atlanta University and President French. It does not create any new requirements, funding, or legal changes; it simply expresses the Senate's recognition and praise.

• Formally designates February 2, 2026 as Clark Atlanta University Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends President George T. French, Jr. for his leadership and service to higher education in Georgia.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to Clark Atlanta University and its president.
• Creates no new laws, funding, or legal obligations; it is a symbolic statement of recognition.

This resolution directly names Clark Atlanta University, its president George T. French, Jr., its students and alumni, and does not impose duties on any other Georgians or state agencies beyond the Secretary of the Senate distributing copies.

The resolution has no legal effect on Georgians generally; its practical impact is limited to a formal, public acknowledgment by the state Senate of Clark Atlanta University's history and contributions, and the distribution of a commemorative copy to the university.

• The resolving clause recognizes February 2, 2026 as Clark Atlanta University Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause commends President George T. French, Jr. for his leadership and advocacy.
• A final resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide copies of the resolution to Clark Atlanta University and President French.

1. 2026-01-29Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-28Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)Primary sponsor
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)

• Clark Atlanta University
• higher education
• Georgia Senate resolution
• historically Black colleges and universities