On Sunday, Feb. 28, dedicated constituents of Prairie View A&M University delivered message to the legislative hierarchy at the Capitol in Austin, Texas. The main goal of this trip was to fight for certain rights for our students pertaining to new laws legislators are attempting to enact or funds they are attempting to withhold. You would be surprised as to what Prairie View might be forced to adopt if points are not addressed quickly. This is our duty and concern now and forever as Panthers and we must be vigilant in obtaining our goals as we see fit for Prairie View to grow. Members of the SGA, faculty, and apprehensive students were present so see that the point was made clear. We will not be taken advantage of and are entitled to fair rights and equal privileges. On Monday morning, everyone checked out of their hotel rooms eager to discuss the topics on the agenda. Entering the capitol, we soon gathered with “proud” members of our esteemed alumni in a reception room on the north wing of the Capitol. This was a very moving experience for any student that would have attended. There were almost 20 alumni who introduced themselves, and honestly, it was one of the most heartfelt experiences and almost brought a tear to your eye. Each alumnus/a is history and their emphatic speech could do nothing other than instill pride and passion for your purple and gold. One woman for instance was the first black woman to receive a bachelor’s in engineering at Prairie View not to mention all the other blacks who made a name and paved the way for future graduates. Mind you, Prairie View does still have a long way to go to increase our credibility in the work force and to be taken seriously by predominantly white institutions.
Sitting in on the House and the Senate Chambers, several points were made on the floor for the Texas legislature to recognize Prairie View A&M University as a significant institution of higher education not only in Texas but for the nation. Feb. 28 was declared Alumni Day at the Capitol. This day could be very beneficial annually if utilized to reunite and readdress issues concerning Prairie View.
Another bill recognized PV’s ROTC program and its contributions. It was the very first Naval R.O.T.C. program established at an H.B.C.U. And from this stellar program it produced an Admiral who designed the first attack submarine for the U.S. Navy, and also the highest ranking African American in the Navy. We should remember the dedication and leadership from which these soldiers kept our freedoms.
Highly anticipated, students and staff were eager to approach legislative representatives in attempt to persuade them to either oppose or support new bills and/or programs. Participants who must not go without being commending are Nigel Redmond, Corey Neblett, Frank Jackson, George Wright, and others fighting for PV’s equality and fairness. House Bill 19 asks that students pay time and a half if they do not graduate in the allotted time of four years.
Obviously, many of us do not receive our diploma in four years, which will consequently affect a majority. This is a plan set out to filter those which do not belong in college, mainly our black population. Let’s be honest, we know many attend PV on false pretenses, for example, to receive a large sum of overpayment just to be spent frivolously and on trivial items. Not to take away from the major, some major in certain fields with intention to get through with minimal amount of effort.
A more diverse university would be nice to see but yet, we must stay true and not forget our history and why Prairie View was founded. Senator Rodney Ellis said, “Prairie View is a gateway of success for all religious backgrounds and races to move forward.” Representative Jesse Jones, whose grandson attends the university, says “It is a black Mecca for higher education and holds much history.”
House Bill 1409 comments on the Board of Regents power to change Prairie View A&M’s name and has been under consideration for a while. H.B. 1409 extends us beyond the reach of their power in that aspect and enables us to be put on a list, which includes Tarleton, exempting us from a name change. If PV were to endure name change, many of us would be devastated. It would lower the morale of many students and disregard much history in the process.
An effort is being made to raise tuition and fees. We are being asked to foot the bill for many new buildings under construction, possibly a new Solar Observatory, and a family development center to replace Jones Elementary. Many object to these projects with very little justification besides being cheap and not wanting to pay anymore than students have to. When it comes to these issues, we have to evaluate what our future plans are for PV. I hear quite frequently, being guilty myself in the past, that we would not dare send our children to this school or recommend it to anyone for that matter. If we take responsibility now, by the time our children are in college, Prairie View would stand with undoubted presence and unparalleled.
If anything has passed that students do not agree with, many are going to be quick to complain and gripe. Sadly, few will be the ones who attempted to impede these bills and programs. To be honest, you have no room to complain if you are not part of the solution or rectifying thereof. We must attack those who want to see us fail at the jugular to get events accomplished concerning policies with the university. This means we as a culture must start playing an intricate part in politics, and demand reasonable reform so that we are never again to regress as a society. Stop by the S.G.A. office and ask for these resolutions so that your are not to blame when we receive the wrong end of the deal.