Although mired in recent athletic scandal, the Department of African, African-American and Diaspora Studies should remain an important part of the academic landscape at the University.
In the last few years, the department’s public image has plummeted as a result of its role in the nationally publicized athletic scandal.
Former department chair Julius Nyang’oro was at the root of the problem, organizing and teaching no-show classes with little intervention because of his leadership position.
While the public perception of the entire department has likely been distorted by these aberrant classes, the investigation concluded that only Nyang’oro and former administrator Deborah Crowder — both no longer employed by the University — were involved in the academic irregularities.
Now that the origin of the problem has been eliminated, it is time for the University to fully support the department, which offers a unique academic avenue for UNC students to pursue.
One of only two such programs in the UNC system, it has long been an esteemed part of the proud academic tradition at UNC.
As the flagship university of a state with such a rich African-American heritage, UNC has a duty to continue to stand behind this department and push it to serve as one of the leaders in African-American studies in North Carolina.
The actions of two individuals should not cancel out the thriving academic environment that the department has otherwise cultivated.
In the midst of accumulating budget cuts, the University should continue to fully fund the department, making sure not to overlook its academic opportunities simply because of its scandal-riddled past.
