Howard University Student Controversy Over Financial Aid Problems

Howard University has a problem. Apparently, the school's students have taken lessons on freedom of speech to heart and actually believe they have a voice in running the campus. That problem is magnified by the fact that they are finally speaking up on issues of mismanagement and incompetence that plague many universities around the nation, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

We all know that HBCUs can be amazing places to get an education. But we also know that many HBCUs are as slow as molasses when it comes to adopting the necessary administrative adjustments to keep up with the demands of college students. We also know that many HBCUs are not even hiring very many black professors, particularly in business and the sciences (Howard University is one of them). Not having the funds to engage in sound administrative policy is almost understandable. But ignoring calls for appropriate change because it undermines your quest to maintain power... well, that just makes you a black version of the Bush Administration.

Diddy has come out and supported the students at Howard, and I support them too. The students at Howard University and other campuses around the country must understand very clearly that POWER ONLY RESPECTS POWER. If you are not focused in your vision and committed to fighting for what is right, the world is going to continue to abuse, mislead , exploit and oppress you. People will always enjoy walking over you if you remain committed to lying down.

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Diddy in Photos

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Jugganot and Dj Camilo visit M2 Ultra Lounge on September 3, 2009 in New York City. Sean "Diddy" Combs Visits M2 - September 3, 2009 M2 Ultra Lounge New York, NY United States September 3, 2009 Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic.com To license this image (16940067), contact FilmMagic.com

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©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Sean "P. Diddy" Combs arrives in his hot new car to the Waverly Inn and chats with Lindsay Lohan before posing in front of his car for photographers. NON-EXCLUSIVE August 19, 2009 Job: 90820W4 New York, New York www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

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NEW YORK - AUGUST 19: Actor and musician Sean "Diddy" Combs attends "The September Issue" Premiere at The Museum of Modern Art on August 19, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sean Combs

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In the 19th century, the British maintained control over Chinese citizens by keeping them full of opium and low on education and ambition. By keeping their eyes off the prize, British leadership was able to manipulate the citizenry in any way they chose. When the Chinese people began to take control of their own destinies, this caused the Opium Wars, which opened the door for China to become the superpower that it is today. Whether you are referring to the federal government, university officials, or a pimp on the street, most oppressors who have power do not give that power away willingly.

Like the British government of the past, University administrations can be as typical as any other entity when it comes to maintaining control of students and their minds. Students don't realize how much power they can actually have, and most of them don't even care. As long as students remain focused on going to one party after another and staying fearful of standing up for their rights, campus officials hold all the cards. University administrators have another advantage in that students are only around for 4 - 6 years, so by the time they realize they have any power, they've already graduated.

When I was a student leader at The University of Kentucky (which in my opinion, is to this day, one of the most racist and segregated academic plantations in America), I remember periodically bumping into the university president. He would usually ask me the same question, "When do you graduate again?" When I became a faculty member years later, I figured out that the reason the president was asking about my graduation date was because he knew that when I left the campus, the student protests would leave with me. He was right; that's exactly what happened. But from that experience, I learned that if you step out and fight for what is right, you might actually have a chance to win and make positive change for the good. Universities hate you for it today, but they give you an award for your efforts 30 years later. I encourage students at Howard University and other campuses across America to make sacrifices for their children and grandchildren, who will set foot on the same ground in just a few years. Were it not for students raising a little hell 30 years ago, you would not be where you are today.

The students at Howard University have a legitimate grievance regarding their financial aid problems. It is as legitimate as the grievance of Kentucky State University students, many of whom are still living in hotels this late into the semester. Their grievance is as legitimate as that of the students at Morehouse College, who still don't understand why a wealthy student can shoot a classmate and be allowed back into classes. Howard students should have their questions answered and be presented with evidence of systematic change in campus procedures.

When it comes to bad leadership, questions remain in the air, and they usually don't get answered. Instead, the administration has the same formula: Just wait long enough and students will either grow weary, get distracted or leave the campus. Don't be surprised if Howard University invites Lil Wayne on campus for a concert, hoping that a weekend of drunken hip hop will cool the students down. Like the Chinese of 100 years ago, socio-political Opium always works to control the masses. I encourage the students to manage their own thinking, Howard is your campus too.

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Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of "What if George Bush were a Black Man?" To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.