Photo courtesy of The Dig

President Andrew Johnson signed the federal charter to make Howard a university on March 2, 1867. The Office of the President has a full calendar of events planned to commemorate Howard University’s 156th Charter Day.  

Convocation will kick off the weekend at 10:30 am today in Cramtom Auditorium. Howard alumnus and former executive leader at NASA, Gregory Robinson is slated to be this year’s orator and recipient of the honorary Doctorate of Science degree, holding him in high esteem with other honorees like Taraji P. Henson and President Barack Obama.

Following the convocation, the university will host its annual Charter Day Dinner at the Marriot Marquis Hotel Saturday, March 4. A recent HU Communications email announced Loni Love and En Vogue as the Gala headliners. All proceeds will be used to support student scholarships. Spots were reserved by a registration link that has since closed.

While the rich legacy of academic excellence and achievement at Howard University should be revered and celebrated, it is equally important to use Howard’s birthday as an opportunity for reflection. 

With spring break beginning next week, cars being vandalized and stolen on campus, a fire erupting in dorms, students experiencing food insecurity, understaffing due to increased enrollment, GoFundMes being the only way some can pay tuition, and bomb threats being imposed regularly on university grounds, it hardly feels like the time to be booking extended stays at the Marriott and flaunting the prestigious reputation of Howard. 

How can we better take advantage of this time? How can we recommit ourselves to truth and service? What immediate resources, beyond year-long renovation deals, can be garnered to further improve the Howard experience for the current classes of students?

The disconnect stems from the lack of interaction between the student body and the administration. Administrators do not feel accessible.

After the break, the University should consider new improved ways to connect with the people they serve. Hosting a dialogue between student leaders, faculty, and administrators that is open to the public might be a step in the right direction. Even if onboarding more staff or troubleshooting public safety on campus is happening internally, it is rarely publicized as much as things like Charter Day festivities, resulting in feelings of neglect and resentment. 

During the week-long suspension of university operations, it would behoove Howard’s administration to reevaluate its overall relationship with the students and teachers who walk this campus. 

As much as we honor the legacy we’re a part of, too many of us are experiencing the dark underbelly of this institution while administrators brag about our accolades.