Nikole Hannah-Jones will instead accept a chaired professorship at Howard University, a historically Black school in Washington, D.C. Numerous professors and alumni voiced frustration, and Black students and faculty questioned during protests whether the predominantly white university values them. Hannah-Jones’ tenure application was submitted to UNC's trustees last year, but it was halted after a board member who vets the appointments raised questions about her nonacademic background. Instead, she was initially given a five-year contract, despite the fact that her predecessors were granted tenure when appointed. “Personally, I know of no higher personal honor than this.”In her written statement, Hannah-Jones cited political interference and the influence of a powerful donor to the journalism school, a reference to Arkansas newspaper publisher Walter Hussman.

Source: ABC News July 06, 2021 12:26 UTC