The Panther Volume 32 Number 1 September 15-30, 2020

The Panther September 15-30, 2020 1

Clark Atlanta University

“I’ll Find A Way Or Make One”

THE PANTHER

VOLUME 32 NUMBER 1

September 15-30, 2020

GHOST CAMPUS!

At a time when hundreds of Clark Atlanta Unversity students, faculty and staff would be interacting with each other as they go about their business up and down the promendade, the campus is

Photo by Joshua Reuben McJunkins bare. Admission on campus is restricted to essential workers. Even faculty have to request permission from the provost to go to their offices as the university takes precautions to fight the coronavirus.

CAU adjusts to major challenges caused by pandemic

By Kenyatta Coleman ONLINE EDITOR

Clark Atlanta University is taking its motto to the next level.

“I’ll find a way or make one,” was put to the test after the world began going through a major shift in the month of March. The entire campus shut down as the COVID-19 pandemic became extremely serious, which caused students to evacuate campus and finish classes online. The administration is meeting the challenges with drastic changes. All classes are being taught online this fall.

The spread of the coronavirus not only put Clark Atlanta on pause, but also paused everyone across the nation. With a record number of almost 300,000 cases confirmed in Georgia and nearly 6,000 deaths, the COVID-19 pandemic became something bigger than anyone could even imagine.

In 214 countries, there have been more than 25 million COVID-19 cases and more than 800,000 deaths worldwide. There were so many things that happened around the world from a

pandemic, to police brutality, protests and the presidential election the paranoia and concern from people across the world became extremely evident.

“I believe that while there are bound to be some challenges that will arise with this change, there is no question that there would be challenges if we were on campus due to the nature of this pandemic,” CAU SGA Undergraduate President Alake Jacobs said.

At some schools like UNC Chapel Hill and Notre Dame, students arrived on campus to start the new years only to be sent home after a week because of the dramatic rise in cases among students. Northeastern University dismissed 11 first-year students and declined to refund their $36,500 tuition for violations of safety protocols after only a week into the semester.

As this new school year began there were many different concerns that grew such as whether students would be able to handle online classes, tuition changes and the expectation of this semester.

For the fall semester, CAU dropped

mandatory fees and decreased tuition 10 percent, which affected students greatly through reduced scholarships. Also, CAU issued Dell laptop computers to all students to ensure that they would be able to access the online curriculum. Laptops were also issued to all faculty members who requested them.

“It was time for a new laptop for me, so it came right on time,” CAU student Jamaira Green said.

There has been a major adjustment for CAU students not only academically, but also emotionally and mentally through remote learning. The semester has been shortened and Labor Day was not observed.

All classes are being recorded on Zoom to accommodate students in different time zones. Students are not being penalized for missing class and could access a video of the class on Canvas. The provost has also asked that faculty be more lenient in the amount of time students have to return homework.

Faculty are still required to have office hours and encouraged to meet with students one-onContinued on Page 3

2 The Panther September 15-30, 2020

Clark Atlanta University

Students petition to remove undergrad SGA president from office

By Miranda Perez MANAGING EDITOR From underdog Student Government Association president elect to accused “sexual predator,” Clark Atlanta junior Alake Jacobs’ position is under scrutiny amidst numerous sexual assault allegations that arose Atlanta University Center student on Twitter in June.

The night of solidarity online with the hashtag #WhyIDidntReport served as a place for students to share their experiences with sexual assault on campus and off.

The primary focus of the conversation was the lack of accountability provided from the Atlanta University Center administrators and Title IX offices, as most students who came forward felt as though justice was not served if/when they did report sexual assault on campus.

10 Atlanta University Center women came to the online conversation with allegations against Jacobs. This led to a change.org petition being created

by CAU student Lani Grayer to remove Jacobs from his position due to said allegations.

“It is understood that formal investigations will need to be done.

However, the word of many black women is enough for me. These women were brave enough to expose [Alake] for the pain and suffering that he has caused them. He has failed the students he was elected to represent. Too many times, a woman is failed by her peers and by officials when the topic is sexual abuse. We as a student body would be remiss if we do nothing. These young women deserve to be believed. The Title IX office of CAU has proven to allow perpetrators to remain unchecked. The cycle ends now,” Grayer said in her petition description.

The petition has collected 2,147 signatures thus far which equates to about half of CAU’s student body population. However as some names on the petition remain anonymous, there is no telling on how many CAU students signed exactly.

Spelman student Elyse Spencer, who fell victim to the AUC shooting this past fall was one of the women who came forward about sexual assault accounts with Jacobs.

Prior to the assault, the two were friends. The friendship went south after Spencer was shot and Jacobs accompanied her in the hospital room.

“Him and another (female) friend of

mine stayed the night with me in the hospital. My friend laid on the couch and he (Alake) laid in the bed with me.

In the middle of the sleep, I remember him kissing me. So that’s kind of where it started off and then it evolved into him asking me to do things to him. I wasn’t comfortable with it, but he was sort of a savior figure and I was in a very vulnerable state. So things that shouldn’t have happened, happened,” Spencer said.

To address these allegations, Jacobs initially went to Twitter “I would never intentionally make somebody feel uncomfortable or pressured,” Jacobs said in June (the tweet has since then been deleted).

Jacobs did not respond to a request to interview for this story.

The SGA president position is said to be the face of the university, a leader to the entire undergraduate class, in place to work on the behalf of their concerns.

Despite school wide mandated Title IX online stimulations to complete prior to graduation and running for student leadership positions, students have expressed little faith in the ability of these programs to yield accountability in their peers’ actions.

Due to their relationship Spencer feared coming forward to Title IX offices at Spelman and Clark about her sexual assault encounters with Jacobs. “We were friends, best friends originally. But it was never really friends because he wanted to do sexual things that I was not comfortable with. I was uncomfortable being around him and cut ties. I tried to avoid seeing him as much as possible, but the AUC is small,” Spencer said.

Prior to the removal petition, Jacobs was a fan favorite to students during CAU’s first virtual student election amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He was one of four candidates and the only male student on the SGA President ballet. Correspondingly, he was the only rising junior running for the position amongst rising seniors.

“I was friends with Alake and I helped him on his campaign team. I thought he was a really good person and a supportive person for this school so [after the allegations come out] I was like wow we have elected someone as president who had been doing this on the low,” said Kadidiatou Mampoya (CAU ‘22).

Jacobs’ campaign platform focused on modernization, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and cultivating student engagement. His campaign took off with the hashtag: “#ThanksAlake” that students/peers alike used with a comedic note to commemorate the work he’s done

to improve campus without an official student leadership position.

While the university has not released an official statement regarding Jacob’s position or removal appeal, in late June an updated CAU Title IX Statement was presented by President Dr. George T. French Jr. “Our highest priority is fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for our students. To that end, Clark Atlanta University takes reports and complaints of sexual misconduct and assault very seriously. When an investigation and subsequent hearing determine that sexual misconduct has occurred, we impose punishments up to and including expulsion,” said French.

Title IX office representative Ramona Roman upon a request for a statement announced, “Federal student privacy laws will not allow the University to publicly comment on or discuss conduct matters involving any of its students with others. However, this summer, the University completed an in-depth review of its Title IX policy and revised it to include updates on how to make a report or formal complaint of sexual misconduct and how the University would address them after they are made. We strongly encourage students to visit the University’s website to access both the University’s updated Title IX policy and the University’s Title IX page for more information about the process and how they can file a formal complaint if they choose to do so,” Roman said.

The Panther September 15-30, 2020 3

Clark Atlanta University

At virtual Convocation president says goal of University is to build leaders

By Arianna Johnson

The purpose of Clark Atlanta University is to build leaders before, during, and after they attend the university, according to the school’s president.

“We’re obligated to provide a holistic approach to how we guide and mold our students’ academic, professional and personal future,” Dr. George T. French Jr. stated.

He said this at CAU’s Annual Fall Convocation before an online audience of students, faculty, staff and alumni via Zoom on Sept. 15, in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Look at us… this afternoon. We are not on campus, we are on a Zoom platform,” Dr. French, said in reference to how the school has been able to make adjustments and still carry out its mission to accommodate changes caused by the coronavirus. All the event’s speakers wore university branded masks while not presenting.

“We mark our place in the annals of higher education history as being number one,” President French said.

Convocation is a time to welcome new students as well as to educate the audience on the history of Clark Atlanta University.

President French wanted viewers to remember the past of Clark Atlanta University and the founding of its institutions. Atlanta University was founded in 1865 by the American Missionary Society and Clark College was founded in 1869 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Atlanta University was the United States’ first graduate school for AfricanAmericans, and Clark College was the first private liberal arts college to offer bachelor’s degrees to African-Americans. The two schools consolidated in 1988 to form what is now

known as Clark Atlanta University.

“Now I know that many of us already know CAU’s history, but it is essential to remember and always acknowledge from whence we have come,” he stated.

“I can only imagine that alumnus James Weldon Johnson’s reference to ‘facing the rising sun’ in his 1904 poem ‘Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing’ may have been greatly influenced while walking the hollow grounds of this university,” President French said.

President French chose “Facing the Rising Sun Together” as the motto for the current academic school year. He went into depth about the meaning of the sun as a symbol.

Historically, the sun has symbolized life and power. Although the university has suffered tragic events like the off-campus shooting of a student in fall 2019, President French called on his faculty and staff to come together and use their collective power to serve their student body. He urged professors to pour into their students’ educational careers and hinted towards powerful corporate partnerships within the coming weeks.

“The essence of facing the rising sun together has long been an unspoken mantra that has permeated throughout the history of Clark Atlanta University,” President French stated.

Dr. French took a moment of silence to remember the late Chadwick Boseman, an alumnus of Howard University, another HBCU. Boseman is best known for his role as king T’Challa in Marvel movie “Black Panther.” Boseman died of cancer at the age of 43 on Aug. 28.

The university’s first reopening plan was to allow freshmen, sophomores, transfer students, resident assistance, student leaders, and students with university covered housing to live on-campus while upperclassmen were to

Photo by Joshua Reuben McJunkins

CAU President Dr. George T. French Jr. speaks at Annual Fall Convocation, via Zoom Sept. 15.

continue with remote learning. But this changed after the university found out that 97 percent of the incoming class was coming from states with high cases of coronavirus.

To accommodate the university’s remote learning environment, according to Dr. French, Clark Atlanta University purchased 4,000 laptops for its students totaling $3.2 million. The university also had to adjust to the new virtual environment by holding their 2020 Commencement online. According to President French, the university is working toward an inperson graduation in the coming months.

President French is a graduate of Jackson State University and Miles Law School. During Dr. French’s time as the president of Miles College, his mentor, former Miles College President Albert J. H. Sloan, introduced him to Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr., the first president of Clark Atlanta University.

President French presented Dr. Cole with an honorary doctorate from Clark Atlanta University during the Convocation.

University makes adjustments to meet demands brought on by coronavirus Continued from Page 3 one as much as possible. The essential workers who have to come on campus, must have their temperatures checked first. The dormitories are closed.

“The class experience with online classes is much different. I just hope that during the fall professors and the university staff are more understanding towards students’ situations because we are not in the traditional environment,” Clark Atlanta student Erianna Rogers said.

Online classes have become the new normal and students have had to make a major change in their school routines.

“I have the experience because I started teaching online classes in 2016, but there is a digital divide and a challenge to interact and do a mental check in on my students and check on their mental state,” Professor Yolanda West of the Department of Speech and Theatre Arts said.

This fall semester is not only a test for Clark Atlanta students, but for students across the world.

Other HBCUs, such as Savannah State University, have decided to continue in-person classes for the fall semester.

“In my honest opinion it should definitely be held online I understand why everyone who attends my school wanted to come back but I feel as if the decision is a little selfish and not the safest option either,” Savannah State University student Johnnie Kinsley-Hamilton said.

Many schools have continued to have inperson classes despite the pandemic such as Valdosta State University, Georgia State University and University of Georgia.

“Originally my thoughts on staying on campus was that this was going to be a horrible semester due to COVID and the Florida heat, turns it isn’t so bad. I get

to hang out with my friends while social distancing.

My teachers are nice and understanding. The staff, students, and faculty are doing their best to make sure this semester going well as best as possible,” Valdosta student Nadia Genus said.

Students and faculty members had to make many different adjustments and sacrifices throughout this time.

“I think my professors and peers are getting well-adjusted to virtual learning and the professors are also being reasonable and working with us because they know we are home,” Claflin University student Danyelle Riddick said.

The major adjustment that everyone has made is the importance of prioritizing their time and the balance of personal interactions.

“One issue I am having is learning when and how to log out. It is easy when physically going to campus to drive away from the building and live my life, but you guys are sitting in my living room now.

I find myself setting up at 7 a.m. and not logging out until after 8 p.m.,” Professor Nicole Dukes of the Department of Speech and Theatre Arts said.

Not only has this been a major shift for students, but it has been an even bigger adjustment for students in the Texas and Louisiana area due to Hurricane Laura.

“The continuous days of raining and storms in my area made the internet go down a few times and electricity flicker,” CAU student Destynee Payne said.

With Hurricane Laura being category four there was a great amount of fear and worry put into the students.

“With this being one of the biggest storms to come to Louisiana and leaving little to no time to evacuate mass hysteria quickly set in,” Payne said.

Now more than ever is when students would feel the most stress due to so many different changes that have happened, but there is still a sense of optimism among the CAU family.

This semester is truly a test due to the many different obstacles’ students are faced with. “I will be doing a lot of mental health checks because I do have days where I am sad too and I have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t put in this position for me, but for the students,” Miss CAU Amiya Crockrom said.

“At first I felt very fearful of this new shift but now I am feeling a lot more comfortable with it and enjoying it. It is very different not being able to just go to someone’s office, so communication needs to be at its best to ensure that both the students and faculty are transitioning well,” CAU student MeLoni Griffin said.

With students doing remote learning there are less resources available in the public. Although public libraries in Georgia are not allowed to let people inside, they do have the option for pick up with books and students could use the Wi-Fi connection from outside the building.

The AUC library has also launched their virtual services and resources for students to use at any time.

“I feel like the new shift has been a compromise you really have to stay on top of your work and make sure you keep up with due dates,” CAU student Arianna Myrie said.

All in all, the shift within the world has created a massive impact on everyone from students to faculty. The motto “find a way or make one” must be used with extreme purpose this semester in order to have a positive and stable outcome this fall.

4 The Panther September 15-30, 2020

Clark Atlanta University

HBCUs return to campus as the AUC sticks to virtual learning

By Arianna Johnson

for their safety. “Students on campus are not following the necessary precautions

The coronavirus has drastically and there aren’t safety and health changed the way of life for many college guidelines being enforced on campus,” students across America—HBCU Icsis Smith, a junior graphic design students are no different. major at Alabama A&M expressed.

The decision to return back to

Others are appreciative of their campus for in-person instruction has school’s conclusion. Makayla Brown, a been a waivering one for HBCUs senior english major at Spelman College across the country. Schools like Prairie agreed with Spelman’s decision to View A&M University, Alabama A&M continue with remote learning stated, University and Dillard University have “The rates of COVID in Atlanta have opted for in-person instruction. The spiked pretty severely… I can only Atlanta University Center, Hampton imagine how it would have gotten for University and Howard University are everyone to congregate in one space on among schools that have chosen to keep campus.” students at home and implement remote

Howard’s decision process has learning. been different than other schools.

“I kind of knew that my freshman They came to a decision just a week experience wouldn’t be a ‘normal’ one, before classes were set to start. “While but I had no idea it would be like this,” I appreciate the initiative to stop the Tyler Anderson, a freshman marketing spread of Covid, moving classes online major at Prairie View A&M University has highlighted the faults in my school’s stated. The university’s move-in day system like unprepared professors,” was Aug. 15, and on Aug. 18, the school Makayla Brown, a Howard sophomore already reported 19 confirmed cases. psychology major expressed.

Some students have second

A common theme amongst thoughts on their university’s Fall 2020 students interviewed was lack of social reopening decision, as well as concerns

interaction and its negative effects.

Students go to college to receive a wellrounded experience—social life is a huge part of this.

Jocelyn Roberson, a junior childhood development major at Texas Southern University lamented, “Besides the classes being online I’m also very lonely because we have no visitation.”

Texas Southern has decided on in-person instruction for Fall 2020. This poses the question: how do schools allow students to have active social lives while also following rules and regulations put in place to keep them safe?

“Looks like by April ... when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away,” President Trump told a crowd full of rally goers in early February regarding the longevity of the coronavirus.

As of Sept. 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an estimated 172,884 Americans have died at the hands of the coronavirus, and over six million citizens have contracted it. For many students, the April deadline feels like a fever dream.

Faculty take summer workshops to prepare for teaching online

By Omari Wyands

the market Fridays and the most adored promenade will be missed. The students of Clark Atlanta University

The coronavirus forced most schools to be online for most of the cannot wait to be on campus, but year. students understand the importance of

Faculty at Clark Atlanta social distancing and staying safe.

“My life and the lives of University enrolled in workshops during the summer to ensure that they my Campus community are more were adequately trained to teach online important than a mild case of classes. These classes included a discomfort,” he said.

Canvas course and an iTECH. Political Science professor Alexis Harris said, “Given the current “I am anxious for whatever the spring brings,” Clark Atlanta times of unprecedented uncertainty University English Professor Augustus in which we all find ourselves, I am Jordan said. comfortable with the decision for

“I felt a little alarmed about students to pursue learning in a virtual environment. Still, nothing beats facegoing online at first, but now that we are in the midst of it, I am very proud to-face interactions with my students. I of how the administration has handled miss being on campus very much, but this ‘New Normal’ with the exception the safety of myself and others is my of a few minor setbacks. For example, top priority as a TA,” she said.

For professors, the adjustment Drop and Add is a lot more complex,” Professor Jordan stated. to remote learning could be viewed as something to get acquainted with.

This change has become the new normal. Everyone is trying to “I feel quite comfortable get used to it and do their best in this teaching in an online environment.

Transitioning to online learning last exhausting and trying time.

Professor Jordan said that he is semester came abruptly, but it has now comfortable with online teaching proven useful given this semester is and that it is “second nature.” fully online,” she said.

As the weeks go by people long Most teachers prepared and studied how to work the technology for for the moment the school announces remote learning over the summer. if students are back on campus or not. The fried chicken Wednesdays, “My colleagues were

instrumental in my ability to prepare for remote teaching. It was very much a collaborative effort in which ideas were discussed openly. Many of us chose to utilize a modular structure within Canvas as well as live Zoom lectures to maximize our abilities to reach students in diverse ways,” she said.

Professor Harris expressed how intense the process has become to make sure her students were able to transition through online classes.

“To ensure my students have a smooth transition to online learning, I am keeping lines of communication open and encouraging students to speak with me as often as needed. To ease some of the stresses associated with digital communications, I respond to students as quickly as possible,” she said.

Though chances of students returning back to campus in the spring is unsure at the moment, students and faculty have done their best to remain positive.

“I am optimistic that our university will make the best decision for everyone involved based on the guidance of science and health experts.

I am unsure what the spring has in store, but I am praying for everyone’s safety and wellbeing,” she said.

The Panther September 15-30, 2020 5

Clark Atlanta University

NEW INITIATIVE:

CAU becomes one of 13 HBCUs to partner with IBM

Clark Atlanta University is one of 13 schools that will benefit from IBM’s first Quantum Education and Research initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The IBM-HBCU Center will offer access to its quantum computers, as well as collaboration on academic, education and community outreach programs.

The project, which was announced in mid-September, aims to drive a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Clark Atlanta University students.

I appreciate IBM for taking innovative steps to engage tech students from CAU and other historically black colleges and universities. Today our world and technology is quickly evolving and our talented students have proven themselves to be innovators and qualified to be included in the pipeline of next generation tech leaders, CAU President Dr. George T. French Jr. said.

“We believe that in order to expand opportunity for diverse

populations, we need a diverse talent pipeline of the next generation of tech leaders from HBCUs. Diversity and inclusion is what fuels innovation and students from HBCUs will play a significant part of what will drive innovations for the future like quantum computing, cloud and artificial intelligence said Carla Grant Pickens, Chief Global Diversity & Inclusion Officer, IBM.

The IBM-HBCU Quantum Center is a multi-year investment designed to prepare and develop talent at HBCUs from all STEM disciplines for the quantum future. It will emphasize the power of community and focus on developing students through support and funding for research opportunities, curriculum development, workforce advocacy, and special projects.

The 13 HBCUs intending to participate in the Quantum Center were prioritized based on their research and education focus in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and

other STEM fields. They include: Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Coppin State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T, Southern University, Texas Southern University, University of the Virgin Islands, Virginia Union University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

In addition, as part of its Skills Academy Academic Initiative in Global University Programs, IBM is donating more than $100 million in assets, including university guests lectures, curriculum content, digital badges, software and faculty training to select HBCUs by the end of 2020. The IBM Skills Academy is a comprehensive, integrated program designed to create a foundation of diverse and high demand skill sets that directly correlate to what students will need in the workplace. The learning tracks address topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, design thinking and quantum computing.

A letter to Clark Atlanta University students:

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dorcas Bowles, on the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the importance of voting. gender equality, racial and economic justice and equitable health care.

In her dying words, Justice Ginsburg said, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” Justice Ginsburg understood, as did Thurgood Marshall, that the Supreme Court is the foundation of our democracy and the protector of the rule of law. People of all races, cultures, and religions must believe that the court is unbiased and will be an unbiased defender of the constitutional rights of ALL. We Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post must have a court that we, the people, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader believe is legitimate and will act in a Ginsburg celebrating her 20th anniversary manner to defend the constitutional on the bench on Aug. 20, 2013. rights of us all - for without this belief,

The death of Supreme Court the court’s vital role is diminished.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a

In my remarks to you during the major loss for our country and our 2020 Fall Convocation, I focused on democracy. She was a fierce champion the importance of our participating in of justice and dedicated her career our democracy by VOTING. This year, to pursuing equal protection for we grieved the deaths of civil rights the disenfranchised and voiceless. icons Representative John Lewis, and Like the great Justice Thurgood the Reverend C.T. Vivian - both of Marshall, Justice Ginsburg’s brilliant, whom literally risked their lives to fight unwavering voice and landmark for our right to vote. With the passing opinions advanced voting rights, yesterday of Justice Ginsburg it is ever

more clear that the power of your vote has consequences. Your vote will impact not only your generation, but generations that follow you.

I ask you to join me in viewing Justice Ginsburg’s death as a clarion call for each of us to vote in the 2020 election and to encourage others to vote.

Sincerely, Dorcas D. Bowles Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Photo by Todd Heisler/The New York Times Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in her chambers.

6 The Panther September 15-30, 2020

Clark Atlanta University

EDITORIALS - OPINIONS This is why Colin Kaepernick took a knee!

By Joshua Reuben McJunkins PHOTO EDITOR

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a bold and controversial move in 2016 when he refused to stand for the National Anthem when it played before football

games. He was protesting the injustices of African-Americans and people of color by the police.

He was right! Thousands of AfricanAmerican lives have been taken due to wrongful doings by police brutality. It was happening all along, but now with cellphone

cameras and police body cams, it is being documented more and people have started to take notice.

Below are some of the victims of police brutality, which often stems from racism. But this representation is far less than a drop in the bucket!

A Cleveland police shot and killed 12-year-old TAMIR RICE Nov. 22, 2014.

A Minneapolis, Minnesota police officer killed GEORGE FLOYD, 46, by placing his knee on his neck May 25,

A New York City poice office choked ERIC GARDNER, 27, to death July 17, 2014.

A Ferguson, Missouri police officeer fatally shot MICHAEL BROWN, Aug. 2014.

Louisville, Kentucky police officers fatally shot BREONNA TAYLOR, 26 March 13.

A Charleston, South Carolina police officer fatally shot WALTER SCOTT, 50, April 2015.

A St. Anthony, Minnesota police office fatally shot PHILANDO CASTILE, 32, July 6, 2016.

A Ft. Worth, Texas police officer fatally shot ATATIANA JEFFERSON, 26, Oct. 12, 2019.

An Ann Arbor, Michigan police office fatally shot AURA ROSSER, 40, Nov. 9, 2014.

A Sacramento, California police officer fatally shot STEPHON CLARK, 22, March 18, 2018.

A Dallas police officer fatally shot BOTHAM JEAN, 26, Sept. 6, 2018.

An East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania police officer fatally shot ANTWON ROSE JR., 17, June 19, 2019.

A Seattle, Washington plice officer fatally shot CHARLEENA LYLES, 30, June 2017.

A New York City police officer fatally shot SAHEED VASSELL, 34, April 4, 2018.

A Chicago police officer fatally shot CHAD ROBERTSON, 25, Feb. 8, 2017.

An El Calion, California police officer fatally shot ALFRED OLANGO, 38, Sept. 27, 2016.

Clark Atlanta University

Wake up, America; it time for a change!

The Panther September 15-30, 2020 7 “I’ll Find A Way Or Make One”

THE PANTHER

By Daidrian Lamar H.

People forget that protesting is a part of American history. It has always been a way Editor-in-Chief The world is on fire with a burning that the American people were able to express Kayla Grant desire for the change of social and racial themselves, demand change, and get everyone’s injustice. The public murder of George Floyd attention. This occurrence is no different.

Managing Editor has become a symbol to get the attention of In 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place.

Miranda Perez everyone.

Early Americans were upset with the British Online Editor Police brutality has always been an issue Parliament tax on tea, so they decided to dump Kenyatta Coleman in the black community and now with new chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. There have technology and social media it’s accessible for been multiple protests in America’s history.

Lifestyle Editor everyone to see. Posting videos on Instagram The Civil Rights Movement is being Danni Harris and going live on Facebook provides evidence heavily compared to the current state of protests Business Editor to call for the conviction of these officers that now. The opposers of the protesting keep Ariyana Griffin mercilessly kill African-Americans, even when mentioning how Martin Luther King Jr. handled they are restrained, cooperating and pose no the protesting during that time and how he did Co-Sports Editors threat. Charging the officers involved in these it peacefully. But even then MLK Jr. was met Derrian Carter crimes is not enough. There has to be a criminal with water hoses, dogs, racial slurs, and even Ashton Micheal Edmunds justice reformation. thrown into jail.

Photo Editor The African-American community is no The younger generation has become longer the only one demanding human rights the face of the movement. With a combination Joshua R. McJunkins and pushing the #BlackLivesMatter movement. of the internet and social media, they can have Social Media Manager Celebrities, sports organizations and major access to more information and share it. The Samone Wright businesses have all spoken out about the racial protesters are being met with the police and Faculty Advisers injustice and police brutality African-Americans national guard who are being deployed by the have endured over the years and they agree that government officials in the states to “maintain James D. McJunkins Sr. it is time for major change. the peacefulness.”

Digital Faculty Adviser Multiple celebrities put themselves In comparison to the dangers protesters Christopher A. Daniel on the front lines of the protesting that took were met with during the Civil Rights place in their cities: Keke Palmer, J. Cole and Movement, today people have endured the pain Join a winning team! The Panther Cole Sprouse just to name a few. Then, the and injuries of rubber bullets, pepper spray and newspaper staff holds virtual meetings power couple Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and teargas. Being inactive is no longer an option via Zoom Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Visit our Shawn Carter who pulled their weight behind and some have taken action into their own hands website: www caupanthernews.com the scenes and wrote letters on behalf of the by leading protests, organizing movements in Instagram & Facebook: @ deceased demanding appropriate justice for the their community, and putting themselves in the caupanther1988. Twitter:@ crimes of the police officers. line of danger no matter the costs. thecaupanther.

Moreover, artists Kanye West and Police brutality and social and racial Barbra Streisand tended to the needs of George injustice are no longer tolerable. It should not Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, by setting her up a have been in the first place. It is a disguise The Panther is published by students at $2 million-dollar college fund and buying her that racist Americans have used to continue to Clark Atlanta University. The opinions shares in Disney’s stock. Additionally, several make the black community feel lesser than their expressed in The Panther reflect only the donations have been made in the millions to counterparts. positions of the student writers and not the different parts of the cause.

With everyone, every race being ideas or opinions of the staff, the University Politicians, government officials and involved in this movement for the equality and or its governing board. The Panther has universities are in accord with the public that recognition of people of color, the world has both the right and responsibility to report a reformation is necessary. On the holiday ignited the necessary fire that the government news of student interest from on and off Juneteenth, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the needed to finally establish laws and policies U.S. House of Representatives, called for campus, to editorialize on matters of student that will bring change. The world must come the removal of the portraits of four previous together to extinguish this fire by exterminating concern and to provide a forum for the free Speakers who served in the Confederacy that any form of racism, injustice and inequality that expression of opinion and exchange ideas in were displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Pelosi continues to exist and hold people of color back the community. Any reprints must be granted tweeted, “We have a moral duty to oppose from being truly equal to their counterparts and by the editor and adviser. All right reserved. injustice wherever it appears––there is no room reach their peak potential. in these halls for honoring men who embody racism & hatred.”

Donations and involvement of people in higher positions of power did not come easy though. The people executed their American right and took to the streets to protest and “The increase in the number of forest fires isn’t being caused by global demand justice for those who met their warming. It’s because of poor forest management. All you have to do is untimely deaths at the hands of police brutality. rake the leaves in the forest!”

The protesting swept across the nation like flames moving in the wind. It grew from “Catching the seasonal flu is worse than catching the one city to the entire nation, and eventually the coronavirus. Watch! COVID is going away when the entire world. The United Kingdom, France, and weather gets warmer!”

New Zealand joined the movement and made it a global effort demanding change for social and “But if you catch the virus, just drink some Clorox!” racial injustice.

The protesting has been met with “To get rid of a hurricane before it makes backlash simply because it many people s landfall, just drop a bomb on it!” misunderstood. Many people began labeling the protests as “violent” and focusing on the aspect “We’ve done better than most countries of rioting and looting. Although buildings were with COVID! I started early.” set on fire and things were stolen, the affected companies spoke out and stated that they were in fact on the same side of the protesters. The insurance covers most of the damages and those things can be replaced, a life cannot.

Raise your hand if you think the candidates for president of the United States should be required to tell the public the grades that they made in science!

Science for Dummie

“Have I ever lied to you before?”

8 The Panther September 15-30, 2020

LIFESTYLE

Clark Atlanta University

All CAU students issued new laptops computers

By Joshua Reuben McJunkins PHOTO EDITOR

Dell Technologies has partnered with Clark Atlanta University to provide 4,000 new laptops for students and faculty this school year.

CAU will be providing these laptops to both undergraduate and graduate students to ensure all academic responsibilities may be covered. Now that CAU has transitioned to being online, President George T. French Jr. has made a way to stay connected during social distancing.

“Many of our students are Pell eligible scholars and, in many cases, do not have the financial support needed to purchase laptops.

These Dell 3400 laptops will help ensure our scholars are able to facilitate coursework both in-class and online as well as increase virtual interaction with their instructors, peers and parents,” Dr. French said.

Dell Technologies has an extensive history with CAU, tying through an array of mentorships, scholarship opportunities and ventures into careers after graduation. Dell also has extensive relationships and partnerships with other HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions.

Higher tuition means higher debt

By Naeem Skief

NUMBER OF STUDENTS INCREASING:

CAU enrollment hits nearly 4,000

By Camille Dash

Clark Atlanta University has an undergraduate enrollment of 3,911 this fall with 75 percent women and 25 percent men.

This compares to an enrollment of 3,318 undergraduate students last year.

Last year, the class of 2023 sent in a total of 19,569 applications with only 9,473 students admitted. The admitted average GPA was a 3.45 with SAT scores averaging 1050 and ACT scores averaging 20.

In 2020, around 64 percent of first-year students received need-based aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at CAU is $5,962. CAU met 49 percent of its students’ financial aid needs.

Need-based aid is determined by you or your family’s demonstrated ability to pay for college, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based aid includes federal loans and work-study.

According to CAU’s 2018-2020 Spring Enrollment Report, there were 95 new undergraduate students in spring 2020, which is 59 students fewer than there was in 2018.

CAU is tied with Delaware State University for #13 in Historically Black

Colleges and Universities and in the lower 600s on the 2020 Wall Street Journal’s Higher Education College Rankings.

Mostly known for its business, psychology, and Mass Media Arts majors, CAU is divided into four schools; Arts & Sciences, Business, Education and Social Work, as well as a dedicated graduate department.

While the university offers around 40 areas of study, students can participate in one of the 65 student organizations on campus along with utilizing the Career Planning and Placement Center, where they can participate in mock interviews, résumé workshops, finding internships and attending career fairs.

With nearly 70 percent of students returning after their freshman year, CAU has an average retention rate compared to other schools nationwide. With a 45 percent graduation rate, graduates earn $38,200 on average after 10 years of graduating from CAU. CAU is a private university that was formed in 1988 when Atlanta University and Clark College merged into one institution.

With nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest institution in the Atlanta University Center Consortium as well as the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions.

Student loan debt. as well as the cost of attending college, has been skyrocketing.

Recently LendEDU revealed its 5th annual Student Loan Debt by School by State Report, which is a complete breakdown of the student loan debt figures at hundreds of colleges and universities across the U.S. Student loan debt in the U.S. stands at $1.67 trillion and Clark Atlanta students rank high among the borrowers.

CAU’s average student loan debt is $40,393, which ranks 438 out of 475 schools.

Even in Georgia alone, CAU’s student loan debt ranks 10th in comparison to other local institutions.

“I feel unwanted because my GPA has never been below a 3.25 and I have made the Dean’s List every year. I contribute too much to the academic part of CAU not to be offered any form of scholarship money,” Jeremy Bennett, rising senior said.

Bennett said he feels as though his hard work and dedication to his academics is all for nothing because he still finds himself $100,000+ in student loans.

Adding more fuel to the fire in terms of having an extremely high tuition that leaves many graduate students in debt is that they will be paying the loans off for the majority of their lives.

The average borrower from the class of 2019 at Clark Atlanta left school with about $511 more in student loan debt than students who graduated in 2018.

The state of Georgia ranked 30th in student loan debt on an average of $29,783 and yet Clark’s average borrower was about $40,393 per student.

The Panther September 15-30, 2020 9

Clark Atlanta University

CAU Alums win money for their dream wedding through an Instagram contest

By Kayla Grant EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andre Archer is a graduate of the Class of 2016. He majored in Business with a minor in computer science. During his time at Clark Atlanta University, he was involved with Collegiate 100 and the track and field team.

Nikita Horton is a “Navy Brat,” who lived everywhere up the east coast with addition to some other places. The two-time Clark Atlanta University alumna graduated from the School of Social Work in 2016 and 2017. During her tenure at the university, she was a member of the class council and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Their love story begins with a series of tweets made by Horton and a family friend.

“So we met in 2012 through a family friend … I took them to McDonald’s,” Archer said. “Kita was in the backseat tweeting about me and I didn’t know. But when I got back to my dorm I saw it and I’m like, ‘Oh snap.’ I screenshotted the tweets and sent them to the family friend. She showed Kita and then went from there.”

A drive to McDonald’s established the foundation for their relationship. After that, they began talking to each other and growing closer by the day. They were growing together not only as a couple, but also as friends.

Eventually, Archer and Horton both came to the realization that they were in love with each other and they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

Archer attributed the year that they were not together as the time that made him realize that he was in love with Horton.

“I knew that Kita was the one probably when we broke up the first time,” Archer said.

“Once we finally got back together, I was like ‘I’m never going to lose her again.’”

For Horton, it was later on when the couple moved in together that she realized that he was the one. She said, “We eventually made that step to move in together and I’m like this could really be a thing.”

On Sept. 28, 2019, Archer filled with anxiety and nerves proposed to Horton at a mimosa festival starting the next chapter of their lives together.

“That’s a big thing to do. A big step. So, I just wanted it to be perfect,” Archer stated. “I was just making sure that everything was how I envisioned it to be, which it did. It actually turned out better.”

Photo by James D. Love

Class of 2016 graduates, Nikita Horton and Andre Archer in front of Thayer Hall.

Photo by James D. Love Clark Atlanta University alumni, Nikita Horton and Andre Archer in the freshman quad.

Although the date, venue and the guests were set and ready to witness the marriage of Archer and Horton on Oct. 10, the coronavirus took the world by storm causing them to postpone their wedding.

Through all the fast changes produced by the coronavirus, Archer and Horton were provided with the opportunity to grow more as a couple. “It kind of allowed us to like recenter,” Horton said.

“It was just kind of like what can we do and just finding ways to bring it back to young.”

During this time of social distancing and quarantining, they found themselves eating more ice cream, watching movies together and communicating in better ways.

“Being around each other more definitely [helped] with the communication and just being considerate,” Horton stated.

While navigating through the challenges of working from home, the postponement of their wedding, racial injustice and the coronavirus, Horton received a message from her best friend that would jumpstart a new journey for the couple.

Her best friend sent her information about a contest where they could potentially win $75,000 toward their dream wedding. The couple whose Instagram post could gain the most likes in one week would be announced the winner.

As soon as the contest began, the love story of Nikita and Andre resonated through the AUC community and the support was astronomical.

“It was amazing, like the outpouring of support from people that we didn’t even expect.

We never would have thought that we would have got over 60,000 likes. I think it was like, the second day, we hit over 10,000,” Archer said. “ It just kept getting higher and higher and more people with a bigger following started posting it.”

According to Horton, the most challenging part of the contest was having to explain the importance of sharing the post.

Spreading the word and getting more people to like the post was essential because there was no telling how many people one person could potentially reach. She described the process as beautiful, but stressful.

In agreement with her, Archer said, “We were both working from home that entire week.

We were trying to find a balance.”

When the contest ended, those who promoted and supported the couple rushed to see the results. Based on the likes, one could have

assumed that the amazing representation of CAU and Black love that they were rooting for had lost the contest. However, when the official winners were announced, many were shocked to see Archer and Horton were victorious.

“We found out one [of the couples] got disqualified because of a post that they made … stating that they got disqualified,” Archer said.

The cause behind the other couple’s disqualification was not revealed; however, the AUC community celebrated the win by congratulating both Archer and Horton on winning their dream wedding.

With over 67,000 likes on their post, they were granted their dream wedding, which is scheduled for January 2021.

While the details of the wedding extravaganza are still being kept a secret, Horton shared a few things about what people can expect to see in January.

“It’ll be everything that we wanted it to look like in the first place. We want it to be safe,” she said. “I like to have a good time and I like my guests to have a good time, so it’ll be a party.”

In addition, she shared that the colors will be black and emerald green with a hint of gold and white.

From their days on the promenade to now, Archer and Horton said that through patience, acceptance, respect, communication and a strong friendship foundation, their love has continued to grow and develop.

Horton said, “It’s just accepting each other and understanding that we are an evolution.

We’re going to always be growing and always coming into a new us.”

Photo by James D. Love

Nikita Horton and Andre Archer in Carl and Mary Ware Academic Building on the campus of Clark Atlanta University.

10 The Panther September 15-30, 2020

Clark Atlanta University

CCO SPOTLIGHT: Bloom at CAU

By Imani Racine

Black women in the Atlanta University Center looking for a safe space no longer have to search far. With a new campus chartered organization, female-identifying students will have a space to be uplifted and engage in holistic healing.

Bloom at CAU, which launched on the campus of Clark Atlanta University in the fall, is open to any female-identifying student in the Atlanta University Center. Originated to operate as a safe haven for Black women, Bloom at CAU’s creators emphasize the importance of Black women in the AUC feeling a sense of community, especially during the current social climate.

“With this power that [Black women] exude, there is an excessive amount of weight and responsibility constantly thrown at us because ‘we can handle it,’” Bloom at CAU’s president Imani Maliti said. “There seems to be a lot of room for Black women to fill, but not enough space for Black women to heal.”

Bloom at CAU was inspired by an organization of the same name started by a group of women at Emory University. Some of the signature programs included Motivation Mondays and Womanism Wednesdays.

This work inspired Maliti to create a similar community on this campus. To her, it is essential for Black women in the AUC to have a support system that is similar to the support Black women during her matriculation have given her.

“I realized that I no longer wanted to

Photo by Imani Maliti A photo of the executive board members for the campus chartered organization, Bloom at CAU.

wait for someone to create an organization like Bloom at CAU, I wanted to be the one to do it now,” Maliti said.

Due to the fact that the AUC is strictly remote this semester, Bloom at CAU will be operating differently, but women of the AUC will still be able to engage socially. Using platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Zoom, Bloom at CAU is dedicated to hosting programs for students who are interested in the organization.

It is strongly encouraged that anyone

who is interested in Bloom at CAU provided suggestions on what they want and need out of the program.

“As we like to say ‘this community is your birthright,’” Maliti said. “Feel free to use it. Feel comfortable to engage in it. Feel safe to be real in it.”

Anyone who wants to know more about Bloom at CAU will be able to meet the members and get more information during the CCO Virtual Fair on Sept. 30 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Meet Emory Pruitt

By Danni Harris LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Atlanta University was the institution for me.”

Pruitt is majoring in

Hailing from Hendersonville, Criminal Justice and aspires to Tennessee, 15-year-old Emory become a defense attorney after Pruitt becomes the youngest college. student to be admitted into Clark “Being a Defense Attorney Atlanta University. gives me the opportunity to help

After dealing with racial my people. Recently, people have discrimination and substandard been able to see how horribly treatment, Pruitt made the Black people are treated, so I want decision to attend Penn Foster to help them,” she stated. While High School to obtain her high at Clark Atlanta University, Pruitt school diploma virtually. Upon hopes to expand her knowledge successfully completing her and skills. coursework, Pruitt decided that

Unfortunately, due to a historically black college or the coronavirus, Pruitt has to university was the perfect place continue her virtual education for her to be. until it is safe to resume in “I decided to go to a HBCU person instruction. Although her because I was tired of being circumstances are beneficial, she racially profiled by others and did not imagine her first semester being segregated because of of college would be completely the color of my skin,” she said. online.

“It was time for me to love my

“Although I came from a Blackness, so I decided Clark virtual environment, my college

Photo by Emory Pruitt Emory Pruitt at her virtual graduation from Penn Foster High School.

experience has been dampened,” she said.

The students at Clark Atlanta University may be spread across different time zones, but nothing stopped them from welcoming Pruitt with open arms and making her as comfortable as possible.

Clark Atlanta University

BUSINESS

The Panther September 15-30, 2020 11

Brown Sugar and Tea, LLC

By London Hammond

Although the coronavirus brought drastic life changes, struggles and sadness into the world, it has also created a space for developing entrepreneurs to focus on their business.

In the plight of a pandemic and amongst protests against injustices, Alivia Duncan found a way to use her words to make a positive statement.

Originally inspired by Duncan’s interest in social issues, the junior Mass Media Arts major’s business, Brown Sugar and Tea, LLC, was a blog.

“It started as a personal blog and has since transformed into a media outlet for all things related to Black culture, as well as a source for pro-Black apparel, customized products, and media services,” Duncan said.

The murder of George Floyd and other issues in the world impacted Duncan’s business and truly opened her eyes. She began Photo by Alivia Duncan to tweet about her opinion on matters involving her community and decided to turn her words into profits.

Alivia Duncan delievering Brown Sugar and Tea orders to the

Those tweets became slogans on t-shirts that resonated with post office. struggles within the Black community and her product became purchasing products, sharing posts, and wearing shirts in support,” popular in social outings. With Brown Sugar and Tea, LLC, she she said. advocates for issues that Black people are faced with.

Duncan’s advice to those interested in starting a business

After officially launching her boutique on June 1, Duncan during the time of the coronavirus is that there is no better time than has had tremendous support from the Atlanta University Center now. community.

“No matter the time, I say do it, but I especially say do it

“Many friends and other business owners supported me by now,” she said.

Felton Hydrate

Photo by Matt Smith

CEO and founder of Felton Hydrate Dontè Knight drinking out of his water bottle.

By Ariyana Griffin BUSINESS EDITOR

Dontè Knight is a Clark Atlanta University class of 2021 Mass Media Arts student.

Students may have recognized him on campus through his kind and bubbly personality, but he has recently launched his new reusable bottle business that has been booming all over social media. The bottle is a convenient size that keeps drinks warm or cool, users can even “slide your finger across the LCD screen Lid,

and the temperatures will display.”

The name of his business is Felton Hydrate, He came up with the idea by simply taking a moment to think outside of the box. “Ironically “Felton” is my middle name and my great-grandfather’s name on both mom’s and father’s side, crazy right? So I decided to use it as a play on words and it came out perfectly,” he said.

The first launch had people full of excitement, with photos being uploaded of people setting alarms on social media, so they did not miss the drop.

The water bottles sold out in minutes, and people instantly questioned when the next drop would be. While maintaining the high demand for his business he has learned that, “every problem there is a solution.”

He expressed his grateful reaction towards how people have received and embraced his products and how he plans to continue this momentum of his business.

“The public has reacted to my business in such a positive way they support not only Felton Hydrate but my own personal brand and I’m so grateful for that. My goals for 2021 is just keep elevating and progressing with Felton

Hydrate and my other ventures that are in the works,” he said.

King shared his advice to students who aspire to create their own business and make their mark in the world.

“Make it your business to not talk about it, be about that Action and get it done and don’t seek validation from anyone,” he said.

Photo by Matt Smith

Dontè Knight holding the different colors of his reusable water bottle: black, pink, white, red and blue.

12 The Panther September 15-30, 2020

SPORTS

Clark Atlanta University

GEORGE LYNCH Outgoing Head Basketball Coach

Clark Atlanta University does not renew Lynch’s contract for the third season

By Ashton Micheal Edmunds CO-SPORTS EDITOR

The Clark Atlanta University men’s basketball program has decided not to renew former head coach and NBA-veteran, George Lynch’s contract for another season. Lynch coached two seasons at Clark Atlanta finishing with a 28-28 overall record, leading them to the SIAC basketball tournament both seasons.

“It’s part of the business. I feel like I did my job; we were winning. The last two years we were second in the conference,” Lynch said in an interview with HBCU Gameday.

“I had some injured players and it’s kind of tough when you’re dealing with limited scholarships, and you’re trying to compete and at the mercy of injuries. But I think, as far as my players, I earned their respect as a coach and more importantly as a leader of those young men.”

With Lynch not returning, there were a few players that have decided to transfer. Both Elijah and Andrew Stewart have transferred across the grass to play at Morehouse College, and Traylen Warren has transferred to Livingstone College to play under James Stinson. With key players Romaine Thomas, Tyler Singleton, Colin Bell and Ian Roach graduating, the Panthers’ will have a whole new roster for the 2020-2021 basketball season.

As the men’s basketball program is on a rebuilding stage, interim head coach Bo Bivens is settling into his new position, alongside Melvin Scott, the men’s assistant basketball coach and Samson Akilo, the special assistant to the head coach.

Photos by CAU Athletics SIAC announces that there will be no fall sports this semester due to the global pandemic.

Images captured during the fall of 2019.

SIAC suspends all sports events

By Derrian Carter CO-SPORTS EDITOR

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced this summer that it is continuing to suspend all sports and championship events through fall 2020. Its suspension of all sports and championship events through the Fall of 2020.

CAU’s president and SIAC Council of President’s Chairman George T. French Jr. released a statement on the decision to continue the suspension. “The decision to extend the SIAC suspension into the Fall of 2020 was guided by the prevailing data, science, as well as current coronavirus infection trajectories. In light of these very difficult realities, and in the context of the overarching priority of all of my colleague SIAC presidents to protect the health, wellness and safety of all of our students and staff, we are confident that the decision announced today is consistent with those fundamental health and safety priorities,” he said.

Questions began to rise from athletes and fans about whether they would be able to maintain their eligibility despite not playing. Regarding the matter, SIAC Commissioner Gregory Moore said, “The action taken by our conference to suspend fall sports was informed by a core desire on the part of our SIAC member institutions to make every effort to protect and mitigate COVID-19 related health and safety risk exposure to our students, coaches and staff during this uncertain and unpredictable environment. It is our intention to seek eligibility relief for those student-athletes impacted by this interruption similar to that relief which was accorded to 2020 spring sport student-athletes whose seasons were interrupted during the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak.”

Another question that arose is whether fall sports, like football, will be played in the spring. The SIAC and The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference released a joint statement regarding this issue.

“The CIAA and SIAC both appreciate and understand the significant impact that today’s announcements had in regard to the status of 2020 fall sports. Both the CIAA and SIAC enjoy athletic related events, traditions and rivalries that date back over 100 years. However, in light of the increased health and safety risks confronting much of the country, today the CIAA and SIAC affirm that the welfare of our student-athletes is sacrosanct and must preempt all other considerations when evaluating any return to competition efforts,” the statement said.

The earliest fans, athletes and coaches will see sports played at Clark Atlanta University will be next year.