May 20th 2024.
Saint Augustine’s, a historically black college and university (HBCU) located in North Carolina, recently held what may be its final commencement ceremony on May 4. This is due to the fact that the school is facing the loss of its accreditation. Founded in Raleigh in 1867, Saint Augustine’s is one of only three HBCUs in the area. However, it has unfortunately failed to meet the financial oversight standards set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS). As a result, SACS has made the decision to revoke the school's accreditation, leaving Saint Augustine's future in serious jeopardy.
News of this decision came during the school year, causing great concern and uncertainty for the students, faculty, and staff at Saint Augustine’s. It was a devastating blow for the community, as the school has a long and rich history of providing quality education to its primarily black student body. However, due to the financial struggles and non-compliance with SACS regulations, the future of the school is now uncertain.
In the midst of these difficult circumstances, the school's most recent graduates used their commencement ceremony as a platform to call for action. NPR reported on the powerful and inspiring speeches given by the students, with student body president Ariana White leading the charge. In her address, White urged her fellow graduates to hold onto hope and continue the legacy of their beloved HBCU.
"We're not giving up without a fight," White declared. "As the class of 2024, we've already faced so many challenges, from the pandemic to financial struggles. But we're not backing down. We're determined to not let our school go down without a fight."
However, White's final year at Saint Augustine's was not without its challenges. The school's financial troubles had a direct impact on her education, as well as that of her peers. Faculty and staff were not being paid on time, resulting in a switch to virtual learning towards the end of the fall semester. This left many students feeling disheartened and unsure about the future of their education.
Sadly, Saint Augustine's is not the only HBCU to face these types of challenges. Morris Brown College in Atlanta lost its accreditation over 20 years ago, and only recently earned it back in 2022. This serves as a reminder of the long and difficult journey that an unaccredited school must face in order to regain its footing and continue providing education to its students.
Despite the devastating decision made by SACS, Saint Augustine's is determined to continue educating its primarily black student body. The school has appealed the decision and is currently waiting for SACS to make their final ruling. In the meantime, the community remains united and hopeful, fighting to keep their beloved HBCU alive and thriving for generations to come.
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