Clark Atlanta University, one of the most prestigious Black colleges in the country, is facing major issues. The university announced it will be canceling debt for current students with federal stimulus money, which includes outstanding tuition and fees like dining hall bills. This is great, right? Not so fast.
The university’s president, George T. French Jr., committed $5 million to put toward student debt relief, aiming to relieve the financial burden so many college-bound families are experiencing.
Great news – but unfortunately, Clark Atlanta has bigger problems it might need to address first.
Students and parents began complaining the dorms looked condemned, with moldy rooms and broken appliances. While bug-infested refrigerators are terrible, it got worse.
An elevator on campus even collapsed onto a student! How can the university afford to forgive debt but not take care of the dorms?
HBCUs have recently been getting more funding, finally – but they’re still struggling. Clark Atlanta is a powerful example of the struggle – and the legacy of funding disparities.
To renovate a university dormitory typically costs $35,000 per student – or more than $10 million for Clark Atlanta’s approximately 3,000 students. That’s an expensive, long-term project.
Student debt is a huge burden for Black college students. Of course everyone wants to graduate debt free, but our health and safety is equally important!