Feature Article
Hampton Editor Blasts Administrators
by Mychal Smith -- Black College Wire
I owe Hampton University an apology.
I'm not apologizing for saying "Hampton University hates black people." And I'm definitely not apologizing for consistently challenging the phantom organization known as "the administration."
What I must apologize for is thinking that, in the course of one year as editor in chief of the Script, I would be able to start the revolution that would somehow completely transform Hampton University. I thought I could expose all of the ills that trouble HU and, through the power of the written word, persuade the powers-that-be to change their evil ways.
That was stupid.
Not that it wasn't a noble cause, but I quickly realized that the problems at Hampton are so deeply-rooted and ingrained in the culture that no one person can tackle them alone.
And even when you have people behind you (thanks to Darrian Mack, Maurice Kuykendoll and the rest of the Hampton 26), the systemic change that is needed to address all the problems here at HU can't come from the student body. It's not from a lack of trying, but the administration around here refuses to listen to or care about our concerns.
And let's be clear on who "the administration" is: anyone with the words president, vice president, provost, or director in their title. You are all a part of the administration, and you are all a part of the problem.
It has become quite apparent, to me and others, that the administration is more interested in breeding the next generation of Uncle Toms than it is in training well-educated black people with pride in their history and culture.
Because the moment anyone speaks up against the abuses of power that have been allowed to go unchecked, they are accused of not loving their "home by the sea" and wishing to see it torn down and devalued.
That is stupid.
I would love to be able to say that I'm proud of Hampton University and all the things that it is doing, but at this point I just can't.
Not when professors in the science department are told that they can't go to conferences to do research because it's considered a "vacation." Not when students are leaving the university after four years and the most that they're prepared for is dressing up for an interview. And certainly not when the vice president for student affairs has unlimited power to change rules and regulations at will, while his only boss, the president, is too busy with proton beam therapy centers and other affiars. I've been told that I'm a "radical" and that radicals don't make good journalists. But personally, I'd rather see more journalists like myself in the world than the spineless lap dogs Hampton is churning out who are afraid to speak truth to power.
Because the truth is: This institution will soon fall apart if you, Hampton University, are not willing to take a critical look at the outdated and downright oppressive policies that you continue to practice. Time is running out and the next generation of students won't be nice enough to just write you a letter. They'll really wreak havoc.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Mychal Smith was the 2007-08 editor in chief of the Hampton Script, which originally published this article.
