Hampton University (HU) has offered students affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to study on campus to continue their education.
According to NBC12, Dr. William Harvey, HU’s president, announced last week that the university would accept 50 to 100 Ukrainian (born and current residents) students for free this semester and next semester.
Hampton University to Offer Free Room, Board and Tuition to Ukrainian and International Students Studying in Ukraine Displaced by Ongoing Conflict https://t.co/3GC7VNLi3x pic.twitter.com/ZM7HIIab4y
— Hampton University (@_HamptonU) March 16, 2022
“The collective Hampton University faculty, staff and students are heartbroken because the war-torn country of Ukraine must deal with atrocities like the bombing of maternity wards,” Harvey said. “Hospitals and other civilian areas.”
Dr. Harvey stated that he believes the partnership will be beneficial for both the students and their families.
“I think this partnership is something that can be beneficial to a great number of students and families,” Harvey said. “My entire career has been focused on helping people to achieve and meet their goals.”
Once the summer semester is over, the students will have the option of staying at HU for regular tuition and fees.
Multiple users on Twitter expressed their opinions on the free room and board for the students at the HBCU as the news spread.
While few may agree on the initiative, many are clearly against it, noting that the school’s actual students are working extra hard to remain on the roster.
hampton helping out ukraine is so crazy to me
— Ayishat Y. (@muslimahayishat) March 22, 2022
Soooo….. you offer free tuition, room, and board to refugees from another country, but not to to the young adults here who are in debt with student loans or those who can’t even afford to go? Make it make sense. https://t.co/3h17u1QwEk
— ♋️ Sunny Tha Creator ✨ (@sunnythacreator) March 22, 2022
Lol Hampton University deadasss wild for offering 50 Ukraine students free room, board & tuition while niggas working 3 jobs just to keep the Bursar Office off their backs
— Brotha Maady (@MaadyBK67) March 21, 2022
The graduates of the prestigious HBCU also voiced their opinions on the initiative, noting the challenges they faced while attending the school and finding it unfair that the Ukrainian students are receiving free education.
One commenter stated that the Alumni of HU should be on the front lines of protesting this idea.
The Hampton alumni need to lead this protest effort. It’s their school, their future alums are going to be affected by the Dr. Harvey. We non-Hampton U alums shouldn’t want better for Hampton more than they want for themselves.
— Kimberly (@KimberlyRWrites) March 18, 2022
One current student of the school shared that he recently took out a $10K loan to pay his remaining tuition balance, and he is beyond upset that they are allowing these students to attend for free.
I attend @_HamptonU now, and I recently took out $10,500 loan to pay my remaining balance, I am beyond livid about what they are doing. I am in the process of sending an email to the president and seeking legal options. I could use that money, and other students like me.
— 🤴🏾Wilfred🇺🇸 (@WCM3) March 18, 2022
An additional User called the move an “L” for the HBCU, noting that its white counterparts have yet to offer the same to Ukrainian students.
Oh I forgot this👉🏾 Damn bringing Ukrainians to come to an HBCU to complete their studies. Where are the white Ivy league Universities or White State Land Grant Colleges making that offer? You know what? They ain’t making that offer. @_HamptonU is taking a big L. Not a good look😒
— Black_Jake_144 (@HebrewJake) March 18, 2022
