Howard University president issues statement about residents dog walking on campus
For the past few weeks, Howard University students have expressed concern about residents walking their dogs on the campus. Now, the president of the private institution has issued a statement.
In a lengthy email sent to the school’s students and staff, President Wayne A. I. Frederick said pet owners should not bring their animals to the historically black university’s private areas.
“We recognize that service animals are a necessary aspect of modern-day life and we will accommodate them as needed,” he wrote. “We appreciate pet owners respecting our campus by not bringing pets onto the private areas.”
He said he wants to see the campus “remain pristine and symbolic of all that Howard University represents.”
Earlier this month, Howard University students condemned local residents who picnicked, sunbathed, exercised and dog walked on The Yard, an open campus area surrounded by academic buildings.
The controversy has sparked a debate about race and gentrification. Many students said residents are degrading the school’s space by walking their dogs on the campus, especially when the dogs relieve themselves on the lawn.
Howard University is a private institution so what’s more obnoxious about this situation is that it hasn’t been resolved swiftly. There’s no compromising with disrespect.
— LaKendra (@lkendraharden) April 19, 2019
Stop moving to areas you don’t understand. HOWARD UNIVERSITY IS A HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE. This story and the one where that lady tried to shut down go go music in the neighborhood youth center since she didn’t like the music. Y’all really need to quit with the disrespect https://t.co/DVOOYRWxFK
— RAMADAwhite (@RamadaWhite) April 20, 2019
Hahahahaaaa. The courts would have to be involved in this one... There needs to be some form of charges brought against these fools that seek to disrespect us...that would help stop it! I'm a Howard University alumni... This is disturbing to me.
— Tania🍃 (@taniathorne2) April 20, 2019
On the other hand, some locals believe the campus is a public space.
Recent reports have came out that Howard University Students feel disrespected by residents using the yard as a dog park 🐕 but this resident thinks the campus should be moved 😮😡 pic.twitter.com/stxHUWtu2X
— Angie Ange In The Morning (@AngieAngeAM) April 19, 2019
Frederick noted the 152-year-old historically black college has shared a “long-standing relationship” with the residential area for years, listing an array of campus events that have been open to everyone.
He said the school has previously held meetings with the advisory neighborhood committees and has recently reached out to them to “engage in dialogue.”
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About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
