Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sparked outrage after announcing on Thursday that his administration would step in to help the hundreds of students who were recently disenrolled from Howard University. He stated in a video shared on X that students who were affected would be offered expedited admission to Maryland public universities and financial aid options.
While some netizens welcomed the news, many Marylanders who reacted to Moore’s post said they were opposed to it.
Howard University came under scrutiny last week after more than 500 incoming freshmen were disenrolled just weeks before the start of the fall semester. According to the Associated Press, the private school said the students failed to meet previously communicated enrollment and financial deadlines.
Many students and their families have said they were devastated by Howard’s decision. Some shared emotional videos on social media describing the financial and emotional toll of losing their place at the university.
To offset the lost enrollment deposits incurred by the affected students, Moore announced that eligible students would receive an $800 credit. “We’ve got your back,” the governor stated. “Howard University is an important institution, and we support its students.”
Marylanders Question Use of State Resources
Following Moore’s announcement, many residents on X questioned why Maryland resources were being used to assist students from a private university in Washington, D.C.
“So you’re taking available spots and credits away from Maryland residents and offering them to those who didn’t pay their tuition at Howard?” one person asked. “Is Howard a Md public university? If not why are you using tax dollars to give them?” another wrote.
“As a struggling taxpayer I’m not impressed! Why give out credits to non-State residents when we can’t afford to provide services for Marylanders!” another commenter said. Someone else added, “Maryland has no money to fund this. I do not consent to my tax dollars being spent on this. This in no way benefits the people of Maryland.”
Others accused the governor of not caring about Maryland residents. “Who are you taxing to pay for this added deficit? Please tell me you’re using your own salary for this!” one netizen demanded. Another commented, “You always got money for others besides the people that live in Maryland.” A third said, “This joker is a narcissist, who does nothing but lies and steps on the people of Marylanders.”
Some critics also accused Moore of stepping in because Howard University is a historically Black university. “Let me guess. This is an all black school?” one comment read. Another claimed, “The last few programs I’ve heard you supporting are only geared towards the black community. Are you a Governor for the entire state or just for people who look like you.”
The governor has not responded to the criticism as of this writing.
Meanwhile, ABC News reported on Wednesday that Howard University has reinstated more than 200 of the affected students after reviewing documentation such as proof of outside scholarships and late payments.
Howard interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick also told the news outlet that the school had taken such drastic measures because it wanted to ensure students had the financial resources needed to complete their degrees rather than leave the university with debt before graduating.
