If you missed the town hall on February 7, 2025, here’s everything you need to know to stay informed about the current climate at Norfolk State University.
For those who aren’t familiar with a town hall, it’s an opportunity for students to voice their concerns and comment on issues affecting the university, including those that can have federal implications.
There were several university officials in attendance including, President, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, Dr. Brown, and Dr. Fitzgerald, as well as other faculty members. The Town Hall started promptly at 6 PM, with opening remarks from the president of the Student Government Association, Za’Chary ‘Prince’ Jackson.
The floor was open for questions following Dr. J’s introduction. Students approached the podium one by one in a calm, organized manner to ask questions about D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and how students would be impacted by the policy, along with some concerns regarding ICE.
They inquired about what the university intends to do to protect those affected students and their families. To prevent students from growing more concerned, Dr. Brown took the floor to respond to many of the questions with response:
“At this time, the University is not being targeted, and we are not under any real threat.”
This response remained consistent throughout the Town hall. Many students went around in circles, not receiving a direct answer to any one question.
The university is evidently trying to remain in control of the narrative and is hesitant to respond directly to any questions.
Bridgette Gabson Savage is a freshman majoring in political science with a minor in government. She aspires to become a future political candidate and challenges the university with questions that aim to alleviate some of the confusion felt by the student body.
“When funds get low, what funds do you use to keep things afloat? What if a worst-case scenario happens? And how are you prepared to react?”
That won’t offset students
mentally or hinder their ability to not finish what they started.”
In response, Dr. Brown and Dr. Gerald Ellsworth Hunter (VP of Finance & Administration) emphasized the importance of students focusing on their academics and producing high marks. To ensure that students can take full advantage of federal grants. The Education Data Initiative projected that:
“Students missed out on at least $4.0 billion in unclaimed federal grants for the 2023-24 academic year.”
Students are encouraged to do their due diligence in staying informed about all current events and verify the information being shared on social media.
The University may not have all the answers at this time but will do its best to find the answers that the student body needs to feel a sense of security.
Spartan Echo 