Since 2007-08, overall state funding for Grambling has gone from $31.6 million to $13.8 million. The school has attempted to bridge that gap by increasing tuition, but it has fallen short, and cuts have been made across the board.
Grambling State University (GSU) is the latest HBCU to make national mainstream news recently. Most notably there was Howard University with its fiscal issues and forced resignation of President Ribeau and my alma mater, Florida A&M University and the aftermath of the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion. It goes without saying that all of the institutions mentioned are iconic in black society. Their rich histories of accomplishments in spite of tremendous challenges and ability to produce outstanding alumni are sources of pride for all HBCUs.
The revolt of the Grambling football team and student protest should not be taken lightly. The Grambling football team’s actions, though ill-timed, are laudable and just might be the tipping point in motivating the activism needed in moving toward adequate state funding that has seen the University cut from $31.6 million to $13.8 million in since 2007-08.
Changes in coaching staff (particularly the firing of Doug Williams), poor training facilities, insufficient food and long arduous travel by bus are some of the complaints by the football team. The sad reality is that most HBCUs find themselves in a financially fragile state.
Dr. Pogue, GSU President, apologized to Jackson State University for the cancellation of the football game. It was JSU's Homecoming game. If you attended an HBCU, you know how big of a deal Homecoming is. The pageantry of the week of activities and reunion of friends is difficult to reduce to words. If you didn’t attend an HBCU but you did see the movie Drumline, halftime really is showtime and the bragging rights over which school has the best marching band is more passionate than the results of the football game. So, to ruin Jackson State’s homecoming game, was not the most effective action in seeking support for the demands of the GSU football team. It should be noted that 22 players did show up to board the buses for the JSU game and receiving a letter from University officials basically threatening revocation of their student-athlete scholarships.
The GSU football team has successfully drawn attention to their plight. Prayerfully the school's administration will resolve this issue quickly. Anyone who knows the history of Grambling and college football can't help but think of Eddie Robinson, Grambling's legendary football coach, and how he would feel if he were alive today. Forfeiting a football game is one thing but saving one's history and legacy is another.
In the meantime, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has made no secret of his desire to merge HBCUs with larger PWIs in the University of Louisiana System. Dwindling state fiscal resources, budget cuts and diversity will be used to convince taxpayers that merger is the wise move to make. Grambling and other HBCUs have to be marketed and managed differently. Ethnic pride and a rich legacy will no longer assure sufficient student enrollment numbers to support the existence of HBCUs.
Related Links:
Dennis Winston named interim coach
After Grambling player revolt, game at Jackson State canceled
Amid protests, Grambling State against Jackson State is canceled
The inside story of what caused Grambling football players to revolt
