Paul Quinn College has taken its fight for survival to court.

A day after losing an appeal for accreditation, the southern Dallas school filed suit Tuesday in Atlanta federal court to restore its lifeblood membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The 137-year-old Paul Quinn, North Texas' only historically black college, needs accreditation to award degrees and for its students to receive financial aid.

But in June, the association revoked that endorsement, concluding that the school had failed to meet one educational standard and two financial ones. Paul Quinn appealed, saying the problems had been corrected and the association's decision was based on inaccurate or incomplete information.

A 12-member appeals committee agreed with the association, a private group that accredits colleges in 11 states.

In suing the association Tuesday, Paul Quinn said the group violated its due process rights and would cause the school "catastrophic and irreparable harm" if its accreditation is not reinstated.

"In fact, and without hyperbole, SACS's improper act could be the college's 'death knell,' " the lawsuit said.

The school also asked the court Tuesday for a temporary restraining order to bar the association from taking steps to withdraw its accreditation or from interfering with students' attempts to secure financial aid.

"We were hopeful in the appellate process. Here we're not only hopeful but optimistic," said Dallas lawyer William Brewer, whose firm is representing Paul Quinn pro bono.

Belle Wheelan, president of the association's Commission on Colleges, said the group had to consider Paul Quinn's long-term financial health and not just its balance at the end of one year.

"Even if they paid all their bills yesterday, we still have no idea whether they're going to have enough money to run the institution next year," she said.

The lawsuit adds to the uncertainty at Paul Quinn, where classes are scheduled to begin Oct. 5.

Time is also running out on a $1.5 million fundraising drive for the school by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. The group planned to end the drive by month's end, but has raised about $500,000 so far.

"We need to get this resolved quickly," Brewer said.

Staff writer Holly K. Hacker contributed to this report.