Swygert: Howard's Scapegoat

Last week an article ran in the Washington Post which revealed that Howard’s faculty senate voted to send a letter of concern to the Board of Trustees.

This letter of concern  addressed the issues about the finances of the University and the academic programs, while faulting President H. Patrick Swygert. The letter both pressured Swygert to resign as well as well as recommended that the University begin searching for his replacement.

We, at The Hilltop wonder whether this is the best course of action. The complications that are attributed Swygert may not all fall on him. Being that he is the president and thus the figurehead of Howard University, he may be being used as a scapegoat for frustrations.

It is evident that Swygert has done good for the University. Fruits of his leadership include the iLab, the new Health Sciences Library, the Middle School of Math and Science and finishing the Campaign for Howard ahead of schedule.

However, there were also promises of a new freshman male dorm and a new building for the John H. Johnson School of Communications.

It also interesting that this comes about at the end of President Swygert’s contract. Why were these concerns not addressed sooner?

Instead of pointing the finger of blame at Swygert or any other University official people should examine the more pressing question; where is our money going?