CIVIL RIGHTS--Raymond Pierce, Director of the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights Office, holds a hand-out during a news conference concerning possible civil rights violations in connection with Central State University, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, March 14, 1997. To the right is Luther Tower, national president of the Central State University Alumni Association.

CENTRAL STATE SHOWDOWN--Ohio Senator Jeffrey Johnson, (D-CLEVELAND) president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, listens as Raymond Pierce, (left) Director of the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights Office speaks during a news conference concerning possible Ohio civil rights violations over the State's dealings with Central State University, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, March 14, 1997.