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10/14/09

White Student Crowned Ms. Hampton

Controversy swept Hampton University Friday, when Nikole Churchill made HU history, by being crowned the first non-African American Homecoming Queen.

Students and faculty members didn't take well to the idea of having a white Ms. Hampton at such a prestigious HBCU, and argued that Churchill didn't meet the qualifications.

Churchill is a commuter nursing student, that attends virtual classes from her Virginia Beach home. According to many students, Churchill is not known on campus and doesn't partake in any extra curricular activities.

Dismayed by the student and faculty response, Churchill wrote a letter to President Obama. In her letter to the President she
complained about the racial overturns on campus and asked him to speak to the University about racism. Here's an excerpt of what she wrote:

"My victory was the best moment in my life, however attitudes of some students on campus has sullied my victory. It would be much easier to say that possibly some were not accepting of the news because I wasn’t the most qualified contestant; however, the true reason for the disapproval was because of the color of my skin. I am not African American.”

Did Churchill overreact by writing the President?

2 comments:

Kristin said...

It'd be interesting to see what the criteria was for the homecoming court... if she was not an active participant in campus activities (volunteer organizations, athletic opportunities, etc.) then how was she a candidate to represent the entire student body?

Big Sis said...

Hmm, honestly, and maybe i'm wrong for it but to me i think she shouldn't have gotten it.. I mean the school is supposed to celebrate the african american culture.. i can understand why some are upset..