Duke University recently announced the discontinuation of the Reginaldo M. Howard Memorial Scholarship, a full ride scholarship program for Black students. The university plans to replace it with the Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program, which will be open to all Duke undergraduates.
The decision to end the scholarship was attributed to legal considerations related to race-based admissions in higher education. Duke University spokesperson Frank Tramble stated that the new leadership program aims to expand the impact of Howard's legacy by providing opportunities for all students to engage in leadership and social justice initiatives.
Former recipients of the scholarship have expressed mixed reactions to the change. While some, like Craig Vincent, voiced disappointment, others, such as Wilton Alston, have chosen to support the new program and participate in its development.
The Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship, established in 1979, had supported 234 students of African descent by covering full tuition, room, and board expenses. The program was named after Duke's first Black student body president, Reginaldo Howard, who tragically passed away during his sophomore year.
Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina's Board of Governors has also voted to repeal and replace its diversity and inclusion policy, emphasizing non-discrimination and institutional neutrality. These changes reflect a broader trend of reevaluating diversity programs in higher education institutions.
Despite the discontinuation of the scholarship, current recipients will continue to receive funding until they graduate from Duke. The university aims to support hundreds of students annually through the redefined Reggie program, offering financial aid, leadership programming, and other resources.
These developments occur amidst ongoing debates surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in colleges, as well as the scrutiny faced by race-based scholarships and internships from conservative groups and lawmakers nationwide.
