Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick is calling for an end to the weeks-long occupation protest of the school’s student center.
“There may be areas where we agree to disagree. That’s the nature of a vibrant community. However, Howard University’s proud tradition of student protest has never been – and can never be – invoked as a justification for tactics that harm our students,” Frederick said in a letter to the school’s community released on Tuesday. “The current occupation of the Armour J. Blackburn Center is a departure from past norms,” he continued.
“The occupation of the Blackburn center must end,” Frederick added.
Frank Tramble, a Howard spokesperson, told the Washington Post that the school had to relocate a COVID-19 testing site from the building because of the protests.
“There is a distinct difference between peaceful protest and freedom of expression and the occupation of a university building that impedes operations and access to essential services and creates health and safety risks,” Frederick stated in the letter.
