No board members at Bethune-Cookman stepping down, interim president announces

Interim president also said accreditation remains intact for now

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Students at Bethune-Cookman University remain wary despite the interim president and chairwoman of the board of trustees announcing Friday that the accreditation for the university remains intact. 

The accreditation pledge comes after financial investigations of the university. Accreditation is a self-evaluation of the quality of a school and is necessary for enrollment and graduation, according to the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. 

The interim president and the board confirmed no board members have been removed or have stepped down. They said they are committed to creating a financial recovery plan. 

Quateria Gaines, a student at B-CU, said that, despite this announcement, she wonders if anything will actually be accomplished. 

"I still don't see or feel a change," Gaines said. "I feel if they are still for the students, why should they not do us right and step down?"

Allegations against B-CU include fraud, overspending and a dormitory construction deal that is more than $200 million over budget. Students protested with signs in light of the school's probationary status. 

Donovan Johnson, a second-year student at B-CU, said the fight is not over. He said he is praying the university will stay accredited and still qualify for federal financial aid. 

"I'm going to have faith," Johnson said. "I'm going to take their word. But as students, we need to stand together. 

Gaines said the school needs to make more real changes. 

"I'm hurt because I feel like, if you guys aren't here for us and if you've been stealing from us, why should you still be able to serve at this university," Gaines said. 

The search for a permanent president for B-CU is still ongoing. The target date is February 2019.


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