Students from several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) in Atlanta are protesting a lack of accommodations and undesirable living conditions due to the current housing crisis.
Demonstrators gathered at the Rush Memorial Congregational Church at Atlanta University Center Monday afternoon to press school administrators to improve housing facilities. The students also urged elected Georgia officials to raise the level of state funds given to HBCUs.
Some held signs that said, “All Students Need Housing. End The Housing Crisis” and “Tell Old Joe Raise The Budget,” referring to the $45 billion investment included in President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act.
Atlanta University Center students have begun a protest for better housing conditions, more federal funding and student loan debt relief. #highered #HBCU pic.twitter.com/hh3yKiFUg8
— Eric Stirgus (@EScoopStirgus) October 18, 2021
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that students have listed six demands and are calling for an in-depth discussion with the presidents of Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Clark Atlanta University (CAU).
Protestors said they are prepared to stay until their demands are met. Many have pitched tents near Atlanta University Center’s Robert W. Woodruff Library.
Atlanta Student Housing Problems
The Monday protest comes in solidarity with a similar demonstration happening at Howard University in Washington, DC, where dormitories are allegedly infested with mold and rodents.
Atlanta students spoke of dealing with broken washing machines and other faulty equipment. Roughly 500 Clark Atlanta students had to be placed in temporary housing because of delayed renovations, enraging parents concerned for their children’s safety.
“There’s bugs all in the refrigerator… there’s bugs all in the window seal. I have to travel nine hours back to Ohio but you want me to leave my child here? I don’t feel safe,” said CAU parent Rosland Hawkins.
Spelman College President Mary Schmidt Campbell acknowledged the need to add residence halls on campus, while Clark Atlanta included building maintenance in its five-year strategic plan to end in 2023.