Elizabeth City State University, the historically Black educational institution in North Carolina, abrupty called for a full transition to remote learning and teleworking on April 26. University officials were concerned with the ongoing protests after the killing of Andrew Brown Jr. on April 21. Brown was killed by sheriff’s deputies serving drug-related search and arrest warrants. Brown’s family has called the incident an “execution.” The shooting took place about three miles from the university’s campus
The mayor of Elizabeth City has instituted a state of emergency for the city. As a result, the chancellor of Elizabeth City State University Karrie Dixon said in a statement: “The university has decided to close residence halls at noon on Tuesday, April 27. We are encouraging students to leave as soon as possible. We ask that students pack their belongings as if they were not to return to campus for the remainder of the semester.”
Chancellor Dixon continued by saying “the safety and well-being of our campus community is our top priority. Although this is not how we hoped the semester would end, I ask everyone to support each other as we make these necessary adjustments. The days ahead will be difficult. I wish we didn’t have to go through them; I wish that none of this had happened; and I desperately wish for a world where progress doesn’t seem to come only in the wake of tragedy. But I believe justice will prevail in Elizabeth City. I believe our demands for transparency and accountability will ultimately be met. And I believe we’ll be stronger and wiser as we live through this.”
Plain and simple, Karrie Dixon should immediately submit her letter of resignation for her misguided decision. Karrie should have told all of those law enforcement agencies to seek shelter at the local hotel or motel. Karrie needs to publicly apologize to ECSU current students, alumni(a), and the Elizabeth City Black community. Following this course of action, she needs to be escorted off the campus with her bags. For those who dissent, you must belong to the establishment so-called Black class and need to recognize this type of complicit behavior will no longer be tolerated. Adios Karrie!