Yesterday, the WVSU Free Press reposted a story from The Houston Chronicle and The Torch concerning the Texas Southern University 3. On Friday, a federal jury awarded the TSU 3 - William G. Hudson, Justin R. Jordan, and Oliver J. Brown - a total of $200,000 in damages in a lawsuit they filed against TSU for retaliation in speaking out against corruption at the school.
According to press reports, the three, who were involved with student government, discovered suspicious payroll documents in 2004. After taking their concerns to both TSU and state officials, including Gov. Rick Perry, the three were expelled from school, and later arrested.
However, the three cooperated with the FBI which led to the indictments of Quinten Wiggins, TSU chief financial officer, and Priscilla Slade, the president. Though Wiggins received a 10-year prison sentenced, the government negiotated a deal with Slade for her repay $130,000 of $500,000 she allegedly stole from TSU coffers.
Like WVSU, TSU is a historically black college or university. Unlike TSU, however, WVSU is not only on firm financial footing, but also boasts of an administration that takes any concerns of wrongdoing seriously.
Let us not forget, it is Hazo W. Carter Jr., who in his 20 years as State's president has never had a whiff of scandal, who has taken a hardline against retaliation. It's unfortunate that his colleague in Texas did not hear the prophetic words he uttered on Nov. 30, 2006:
"We will not tolerate retaliation. If there is ever any of that kind of threat, you can come to one of us."
No comments:
Post a Comment