The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is facing major backlash after ending the Black Student Movement’s shared oversight of the Upendo Lounge. For over 50 years, the space has served as a cultural home and community hub for Black students.
According to BSM President Adam Sherif, university administrators cited “new federal guidelines” when announcing the decision. They argued that spaces historically used by Black students could “discourage students of other races” and “foster a hostile environment.”
The Upendo Lounge has been a safe and welcoming place for generations of Black students. It has offered a space to study, relax, and connect in a predominantly Black atmosphere. Sherif said the lounge was never exclusive to Black students and that people from all backgrounds used it for events and gatherings.
UNC officials said the building is fully owned and managed by the university. However, the future of the Black Student Movement’s role in the space remains unclear.
For many current and former students, the move feels like a step backward, especially as diversity and inclusion efforts continue to decline on campuses across the country.
