Clark Atlanta's Problems Resonate with Howard Students

A decision by Clark Atlanta University's trustees to cut five academic programs from the university's curriculum to offset a $7.5 million shortfall is resonating with students at Howard University.

"It's sad that Howard seems to be going up while others are falling by the wayside," Mark Howard, senior systems and computer science major, said. "I wish we could do more to help, so they could move up at the same rate."

The Clark Atlanta trustees decided Oct. 17 to cut Library and Information Systems Studies, International Affairs and Development, Allied Health Professions, the Department of Engineering and the Systems Science Ph.D. program.

Over the summer, the university closed Paschal's Restaurant, a monumental dining hall known for hosting many civil rights gatherings.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the school also entered into a period of layoffs and offered early retirement plans for professors who had earned tenure.

Many students at Howard, including junior film production major Valerie Coulter, believe it is time for African Americans to pull together as a community to solve the financial crisis that many historically black schools are facing.

"We can't blame everything on the government and white people," Coulter said. "We need to realize that we have a responsibility. We don't have it as easy as everybody else. We must be smart about the way we spend our money because the government doesn't give enough. If we mess up, that makes it even worse."

That the majority of the problems seem to stem from inadequate money management leaves some wondering whether funds are being misappropriated.

"The question is 'where is the money going?'" freshman Rashad Dinkins said. "As tuition increases, programs seem to decrease."

Freshman biology major LaToya Archibald echoes the concern.

"We have to pay a lab fee for taking biology and chemistry classes, but we never see any new lab equipment," Archibald said. "We should see the fruits of a tuition hike."

Junior marketing major Najla Haywood worries how the ramifications of the Clark Atlanta decision will affect future generations.

"When I have children, I hope that they will have the option to attend an HBCU. I hope that they will still be around and prospering," Haywood said. "It is a shame that HBCUs are not being supported by students, alumni, and faculty. This is everyone's problem."

Krystal Allen, a freshman biology major, views student involvement as a key component of staying power.

"It is very important for students at HBCUs to be involved because students are the customers," she said.

Sophomore anthropology major Meghan Green said a historically black institution serves as a support system for its students.

"HBCUs are more needed now than ever before, especially with [the situation] with Morris Brown and the attack on affirmative action," Green said. "Majority white institutions seem to be limiting the number of African-American students they admit now."

Shara D. Taylor is a student at Howard University who writes for The Hilltop.

Posted Oct. 31, 2003