Kennesaw State professors join outcry against removal of Black studies major

Kennesaw State Black Studies debate continues

During a virtual press conference held for Kennesaw State University, faculty members joined students in condemning the recent decision to eliminate three majors, including Black Studies.

KENNESAW, Ga. - Some professors at Kennesaw State have joined their students, voicing strong opposition to the university's recent decision to eliminate three majors, including Black Studies.

During a virtual news conference, faculty members condemned the move, calling for the programs to be reinstated.

What they're saying:

"So, in truth, I'm devastated at the decision to deactivate the Black Studies major," said Professor of Psychology in the Black Studies program at KSU Dr. Roxanne Donovan.

She also took part in that virtual press conference Saturday. 

Donovan said she worries this decision could impact KSU for years to come. 

"It's especially hard when it's at a university where over 25% of students identify as black. It risks sending a troubling message to those within and outside our community that black thought, achievement, histories and futures are not a priority here," she said. 

Dr. Donovan disputed graduation data provided to FOX 5 by KSU. That data is explained at the bottom of this article.

She said she and other faculty members in the Black Studies program compiled their own data that showed more graduates.

They were hoping they could have a meeting with KSU administration to go over the discrepancies.

"We sent the report, the letter on April 8th, got absolutely no communication back," Donovan said. 

Dr. Thompson and Dr. Donovan both say it's in the university's curriculum guide that faculty members should be consulted before a major is deactivated. 

"In my 17 years at KSU, I have never seen such a swift dismantling of degree programs without consultation with faculty, students or community stakeholders," Donovan said.

RELATED: Kennesaw State students’ outcry against removal of Black studies major

KSU eliminating Black studies program

Some students at Kennesaw State University are speaking out after the university removed three majors, including Black Studies. KSU leadership says they’re removing the programs due to low enrollment, but students believe the university is caving to political pressure. Students are urging others to also speak out and express their concerns to university leaders, as they worry this move by KSU will make it less welcoming to diverse students.

Meanwhile, students have also expressed concerns that the decision may be influenced by political pressures, particularly from the Trump administration, to eliminate certain types of programs. They are urging the university to reconsider and reinstate the Black Studies and Philosophy majors.

"If upper administration wants to close a program they can do it without any input from faculty at all," said Dr. Lauren Thompson, an assistant professor of history and chair of the History and Philosophy Curriculum Committee. "The very existence of the multiple curriculum committees across the university belies these excuses and frankly insulting explanations. KSU faculty deserve better and KSU students deserve better."

Kennesaw State explains black studies removal

The other side:

The university, however, maintains that it adhered to standard protocols in deactivating the majors, citing low graduation numbers as the primary reason for their removal.

According to a statement from KSU, the Black Studies major, along with two others, averaged fewer than 10 graduates per year, failing to meet the criteria necessary for continuation.

KSU's full statement

"Kennesaw State University followed institutional protocols in the decision to deactivate the Black Studies, Philosophy, and Technical Communications majors. All KSU majors are reviewed annually and held to the same criteria. Courses in Black Studies, Philosophy, and Technical Communications will continue to be offered as minors, electives, and available to all undergraduate students in our general studies curriculum.

"Undergraduate programs are expected to maintain a three-year rolling average of at least 10 graduates per year. The Black Studies major has a three-year graduation average of 5.7 degrees per year, while Philosophy averages 6.3 and Technical Communications 7.7. 

"The programs underwent a multi-year remediation process, which included annual improvement plans focused on increasing enrollment. As the required benchmarks were not met, the University deactivated these programs.

"A formal ‘teach-out’ plan is in place to ensure all currently enrolled students have the opportunity to complete their degrees."