After Morgan State University’s Board of Regents voted last week that they were not going to renew President David Wilson’s contract, students — both former and current, have already started to protest by signing an online petition in the hopes that the board would overturn the unfavorable and unexpected decision. Since the board has yet to comment on the motivation for Wilson’s dismissal, students are swarming faculty with phone calls, letters and office appearances until they receive adequate answers.
Morgan State SGA President Shaquaya McKenzie commented, “As students, we have seen the accomplishments and efforts of Dr.
Wilson and he is by far a student-centered leader. So, if we do not find the explanation sufficient enough to override Dr. Wilson’s superb professional record, we shall seek intervention.”
McKenzie certainly sought “intervention” as she influenced and joined over 500 students, graduates and some faculty in signing an online petition against the board’s decision. The petition stated, “The students of Morgan State University have a voice and want to keep our current president in office.” Students continued to recruit several of their classmates and friends on social media networks Twitter and Facebook by posting links asking the Morgan State community, “Do you want an explanation from the Board of Regents? If so, please sign this petition.”
The petition included Wilson’s top five accomplishments during his presidency at Morgan State. His accomplishments were taken from a letter that Wilson addressed on Monday to the campus in his response to the board’s decision. While students and faculty weren’t taking lightly the board’s controversial meeting, President Wilson’s response has been mildly reserved and quite vague. In his letter addressed to the student body, he wrote, “It is very unfortunate that, based on what I have heard, I am being punished for having a top research university in this nation take note of our achievements at Morgan.”
Reportedly, the board members voted Wilson out by an 8 to 7 count. Morgan board members, Rep. Elijah Cummings and Kweisi Mfume, continually referred all inquiries to Chairman Dallas R. Evans. In lieu of a thorough response, Evans sent a press release to the Morgan student body thanking Wilson for his last two and half years of service to Morgan.
Evans wrote, “Morgan State University remains committed to its mission of supporting, empowering and preparing high-quality, diverse graduates to lead the world.”
