Since the beginning of this new school year, current students and alumni of Howard University, a Historically Black University in Washington DC, voiced concerns about the administration and the management of their university. Students took to social media using the hashtag #TakeBackHU to discuss everything from lagging financial aid processes to lack of air conditioning in the dorms, rodents and more.
The social media campaign was initiated by the following students @_OnlyJalen, @AliyaJones_, and @nadaleemarcelle.
#TakeBackHU pic.twitter.com/aCc3Mw9L4R
— Tha GOAT🐐♛ (@_OnlyJalen) September 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/AliyaJones_/status/639136094018215936
The hashtag quickly picked up steam and several alumni and students joined in on the dialogue.
I've been off social media most of the day and #TakeBackHU is 1) trending 2) the 3rd highest trending topic in the country? Whoa.
— Jamilah Lemieux (@JamilahLemieux) September 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/MelechT/status/639413465824817153
https://twitter.com/MichelleHux/status/639411862220763136
https://twitter.com/jozenc/status/639237252162428929
https://twitter.com/AllysnCarpenter/status/639197885448482816
https://twitter.com/CallMeARarity/status/639196422022266881
#TakeBackHU why am I finding about registration extensions through word of mouth from other students? Y'all have my email for tuition though
— Franklin Saint (@ThatCaliSigma) September 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/DJ_4040/status/639183858831855617
Grants are mysteriously disappearing and financial aid "can't see you right now" or their "systems are down" #TakeBackHU
— la puta jefa (@_OAuthentic) September 2, 2015
The current president responded on Twitter.
My team & I are working diligently towards a comprehensive communication & resolve for your concerns. Your voices are heard and appreciated.
— Wayne A. I. Frederick (@HUPrez17) September 2, 2015
Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, the current president of Howard University, has since responded with an official statement and met with representatives of the campus student organization, HUSA.
https://twitter.com/VikkieNotVicky/status/639565299767861248
Later that evening, the #TakeBackHU team issued a statement on Twitter.
The official statement from the #TakeBackHU team! ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/mAxcvO3b3d
— Tha GOAT🐐♛ (@_OnlyJalen) September 4, 2015
The DCist reports that Aliya Jones organized a peaceful protest mentioned in the above statement on campus on September 4th in the administration building, also known as the “A Building,” with about 50 other students.
Howard University has also agreed to set up a Student Customer Service Help Desk to address some of the concerns with residential life and financial aid.
https://twitter.com/HowardU/status/639636632325484544/photo/1
Unfortunately considering the current fiscal climate, the problems experienced at Howard University are not unique in the higher education arena, especially for HBCUs.
The students made it clear on social media that while they are passionately voicing their concerns about Howard, they are doing it out of love, according to Global Grind.
https://twitter.com/jozenc/status/639236972389748737
Please don't let our frustrations with administration EVER confuse you..I love my university. I just want these issues resolved #TakeBackHU
— Honey (@honeyhaze__) September 2, 2015
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