Attracting the attention of the news media, faculty, staff, and the student body, a protest evolved Monday, Oct. 3, around 10 a.m. in front of the A.I. Thomas Administration building as a result of what the protestors said were unanswered questions, miscommunication, and a demand for change. The protest was reportedly initiated by a small group of students from the Drama department whose primary concern was the unexplained absence of their instructor, C. Lee Turner. Sophomore Ashley Oliver said, “First Prairie View took our teacher, Mr. Turner, and tried to replace him with other professors who don’t fully understand the job.” A student (name withheld) also said, “We will be out here every day at 10 a.m; if we have to sleep out here and devote all our time to changing these issues, then so be it.”
Soon, the protest began to unfold as more students joined and voiced their opinions about other frustrations. For instance, sophomore Kenneth Brown remarked, “I’ve sent dozens of emails to Dr. Wright regarding our concerns about student affairs since the end of August until now, yet all I receive in return is an automated response. Students have the right to be heard when we’ve done everything according to procedure but continuously are disappointed.”
Apart from financial aid, another big issue raised by protest participants was a claim that faculty members totally disregard what students deem as important.
In a brief interview with Dr. Joahanne Thomas-Smith, provost and vice-president for Academic and Student Affairs, she said, ” I believe in our right to voice our opinions and be heard. I also think that as long as students protest in accordance with protocol their perspectives should be equally dealt with. Regarding numerous questions about financial aid she said, “The advisors in financial aid sincerely want to get awards out to students even under their worst circumstances. When advisors are unable to do so they become equally as frustrated with financial aid issues as do the students.” Regarding Turner, Thomas-Smith did state that she has a lot of respect for Turner and she was instrumental in recruiting him. She added that Turner has not been terminated from the university. However, she did not elaborate on Turner’s exact status.
Dr. Michael L. McFrazier, associate provost for Academic and Student Affairs, added ” In concurrence with what Dr. Thomas-Smith said, we are committed to diversity, accountability, and quality, and have made a commitment to the student body, parents, and the staff of Prairie View A&M University to do exactly that.
In a separate interview with Don W. Byars II, assistant provost for Enrollment and Management, he said, ” The one thing I’d like is for the students and faculty members alike to give the new director of financial aid, Tracey Matthews, an opportunity to implement and evaluate the changes that need to be made so that students can see the dramatic results of such a dedicated administrator.” Regarding his views about the student protest he said, “Students have the absolute right to exercise their opinions freely about anything. The students are the reason we are here, which consequently means their opinions more than count.”
The protest did end peaceably, but the organizers of the protest said it is only the beginning of what is yet to come from members of the student body.