More than 200 first-year students have been readmitted to Howard University after they were unenrolled for financial reasons and missing immunization records. Howard University interim president Wayne A. I. Frederick explained the latest development as he sat down for an interview with the Associated Press.
What did Wayne A. I. Frederick say about Howard University unenrolling students?
After Howard University readmitted hundreds of students, Frederick continued to defend the school’s decision to initially go through with the mass unenrollment.
“I don’t think it’s just a simple matter of right or wrong. I think Howard adhered to its policies or procedures,” Frederick told the AP, adding that the students were unenrolled for outstanding tuition balances or unreported immunizations.
Frederick said the school made the decision to reenroll the students after receiving hundreds of calls from concerned students and parents. According to Frederick, Howard University looked at several factors, including records for pending financial aid, and finally made the decision to readmit the students. When the school removed 502 students last week, about 2,200 incoming applicants remained, the AP reported. As of Friday afternoon, about 200 of the disenrolled students were reinstated, The Washington Post reported.
What’s next for the students disenrolled from Howard University?
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the state will give an $800 credit to students who attend universities in the state after being disenrolled from Howard. According to CBS News, Moore said the state’s Higher Education Commission and the University System of Maryland (USM) will “establish a coordinated process to help affected students identify available programs, navigate financial aid options, and seek expedited late admissions review at USM.”
“My administration is working with the University of Maryland system schools to provide expedited admissions and financial aid options to those impacted,” Moore said, per CBS News.