One HBCU has been thrust into the spotlight after a student from metro Atlanta allegedly stole thousands from the school’s financial aid office, according to recent reports.
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Last year, six employees were fired from Howard University for misappropriating nearly $1 million, NBC4 Washington reported. Former student employee and DeKalb County native Tyrone Hankerson was purportedly at the center of the scandal. He's been accused of stealing more than $400,000 of institutional funds used to help low-income students.
On Wednesday, Howard President Wayne Frederick released a statement "to provide some relevant updates regarding Howard's commitment to ensuring work integrity across all University offices, specifically the Office of Financial Aid," he wrote.
He announced the school would be implementing new policies moving forward. He also confirmed that a previous investigation revealed several employees received grants and discounts that exceeded the cost of tuition and kept the difference.
Hankerson, who received his bachelors degree from the school and is currently a third-year law student there, also released a statement Thursday through his attorney, writing, “I have done nothing illegal or wrong.”
“When the truth comes out, it will be confirmed that I followed all rules and protocol with the approval of the, then, financial aid officers in any grants, scholarships or awards given to me as a student,” he continued.
During a recent sit-down interview with Roland Martin, he also said “it’s been an extremely difficult time” for him. “I am trying to remain optimistic about this situation although it has been a challenge,” he explained.
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When news of the scandal hit the internet, many flocked to Twitter to express their thoughts. Several found the story baffling, some posting photos of the Hankerson in what appeared to be designer clothing.
Others imagined how Hankerson might have behaved while working as a student employee in the financial aid office.
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A few referenced Erykah Badu’s 1997 hit “Tyrone.”
And someone even created a playlist, which included songs about money.
While it is unclear whether the university will take legal action against Hankerson and others, Howard students, led by the campus organization HU Resist, marched to the school’s administration building this week to protest the mismanagement of funds and address other concerns.
The group even drafted a list of demands, which include changes to the Board of Trustees and the resignation of President Frederick.
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