Students enter the main gate on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Doug Kapustin/For The Washington Post)
Howard University students and alumni took their frustration public — and viral — Wednesday, with a gush of complaints on social media about problems at the iconic historically black university in Washington, D.C.
We're fed up. #TakeBackHU
— Tabitha (@alittle_TABoo) September 3, 2015
Their frustrations — often paired with affection and pride for the school — were both immediate and minute, longstanding and sweeping.
They complained about the air conditioning breaking down, mold in dorms, bureaucratic run-arounds, high tuition, rats, and hassles with financial aid.
University spokespeople and an alumni leader did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday evening.
The university president posted a message 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
Still, people had much to say:
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
My problem is that I am paying $47000+ for deteriorating conditions, negative attitudes, and the runaround. We're tired. #TakeBackHU
— •• (@gr00vetheory) September 2, 2015
I haven't had wifi since I moved it and No hot water. #TakeBackHU
— black cindy (@KenyaSavage_) September 2, 2015
Its 90+ degrees outside, there should be no reason why the temperature in my classrooms could almost match that. #TakeBackHU
— ॐ (@MissTati_) September 3, 2015
I get three new emails a month about some new director assistant VP of something hire, yet the conditions have not changed #TakeBackHU
— Melanina $imone✨ (@morgzz23) September 3, 2015
#TakebackHU pic.twitter.com/bisaebJDA9
— YEEZY TAUGHT ME (@808_hrtbreak) September 2, 2015
The school has a storied history, it is anticipating its 150th anniversary in 2017, and is a leading producer of doctoral degrees for black scholars.
It also has troubled finances.
In recent years, staff have been laid off at the private university, which receives substantial federal funding. The school’s credit rating has taken a hit.
Staff and students have made it clear that cuts have been felt.
[Howard cuts more than 80 staff positions]
[Howard’s credit rating cut for third time in three years.]
On social media, people voiced frustration about problems in dorms, hassles with the administration, red tape and other issues.
It's almost impossible to speak to financial aid on the phone. You either on hold, getting hung up on, or getting transferred #TakeBackHU
— VJ (@NaturallyVJ) September 2, 2015
https://twitter.com/khalilorbekilld/status/428981964310597632
Waaait a minute…guys, I figured it out! @HowardU is not responding to us because "THE SYSTEM IS DOWN!" Duh!! #SillyUs #TakeBackHU
— Jalen Chri$hawn (@_OnlyJalen) September 2, 2015
it took howard 2.5 months to give me my refund check last year. took them 18 hours to deny my scholarship appeal this summer. #TakeBackHU
— yeezyforpresident (@malcolmthekid) September 2, 2015
Needed my transcript sent for a scholarship just to find out the registrar "forgot to mail it out" & made me miss my deadline :)#TakeBackHU
— Sabali X (@xbrittnyamanda) September 2, 2015
Let me be clear: #TakeBackHU is a solution based movement to have our voices heard as a student body! That's all. pic.twitter.com/o4JAXBwQYg
— Jalen Chri$hawn (@_OnlyJalen) September 2, 2015
I graduated #HU 11 years ago, current students shouldn't have the SAME complaints I had when I was there. #TakeBackHU
— Jozen C. (@jozenc) September 3, 2015
I❤️Howard, but back in the day I twisted my ankle countless times on campus potholes & fin aid was ALWAYS late (any changes?) #TakeBackHU
— Carol Hedgspeth (@carolhedgspeth) September 3, 2015
I hope the students of Howard U are successful in their attempt to spark needed change on campus #TakeBackHU
— breaker of chains (@AMARAtto_sour) September 2, 2015
Even in the midst of frustration, there was much love and loyalty for the school.
We want to #TakeBackHU because we have love for @HowardU that is not being reciprocated. @WFrederickMD
— ACTIVIST (@nadaleemarcelle) September 2, 2015
I want to #TakeBackHU because someday I want my kids to go here and have a better experience than I did. @WFrederickMD @HowardU
— possum jenkins (@mrc_ii) September 2, 2015
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