Charles Barkley is using his own resources to ensure his alma mater remains diverse. The NBA Hall of Famer announced he included a $5 million donation in his will that will benefit Black students at Auburn University.
“In my will, I am leaving Auburn $5 million,” he said, according to AL.com. “I’m going to change it to be just for scholarships for Black students. That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse.”
Barkley said the decision was motivated by the love he has for his alma mater.
“I love Auburn,” he added. “I’ve actually changed it to be used for kids from poor homes. But after that ruling yesterday, my phone was blowing up. I was talking to my friends and said, ‘I need to make sure Black folks always have a place at Auburn. So, I’m gonna change my will and make it exclusive for Black students — all $5 million.’ It’s just for me the right thing to do. I always want to make sure that Auburn’s diverse.”
Barkley’s announcement was also motivated by the recent Supreme Court ruling, which struck down affirmative action. He referred to the news as a “shot across the bow,” AL.com reported.
In November, the student newspaper The Auburn Plainsman reported that Black students comprise only 5% of the university’s population — making it the most segregated university in Alabama.
“We’ve always lacked diversity,” Barkley said about Auburn University. “I’m doing my part to make sure we are more diverse.”
