In a response to the columns written by Washington Post columnist, Courtland Milloy, The Hilltop has dedicated a section of the paper as a forum for Howard University students and alum to voice their opinions of Milloy's remarks.
Columnist Continues to Misrepresent Howard University and its Students
I attended HU between 1987-1992 and I remember writing Courtland Milloy a letter in response to a column he wrote that misrepresented Howard and its students. It's sad that he is still at it. He really does a disservice to African Americans---not because he writes negative things, but because he is so misinformed and he has a platform with which to spread his misinformation.
-Marea Battle
None of the Topics are Laughing Matters
Courtney Milloy's commentary ("How Bush Visit Became the Siege of Howard U," Washington Post, Sunday, October 30, 2005) last Thursday on the Helping America's Youth conference at Howard University weaves a distorted and stereotypical tale about the parties involved. Milloy attempts to illustrate a vote motivated First Lady and President Bush, fried chicken deprived Howard students and first amendment challenged security guards. This mischaracterization fails to tell the truth and substance of the conference (which I fortunately was able to view via the internet with other organizations concerned about at risk youth); the Howard students' rationale for a protesting (which surely is much more serious than missing lunch); and the security guards reasoning for their protective actions. Although, the article may have been humorous to some, none of these topics are laughing matters.
-Patricia H. Lee, Esq.
National Institute for Urban Entrepreneurship
Howard University, You're 100% Wrong
Sorry guys, but even as a former HBCU student (HIU '93), I must say that I agree with Mr. Milloy on his column.
You kids need to consider these words...
responsibility, accountability, and self restraint.
Mr. Milloy is 100% right and Howard U, you are wrong. Being black is not about step shows and baggy clothes. It is about family, rising up from slavery, and community involvement. If you're going to be an activist, pick the right battles and make sure you don't leave your behind out in the wind.
In time, you kids will learn better. I hope.
-Harold Smith
Milloy 'Still Smarting' Over HU's Former Perception of Him
It's great to hear we didn't let this one slip by without a protest. Bush has done too much to stand in the way of progress for African Americans.
BUT, I cannot believe Milloy's abhorring attitude toward Howard students.
He wrote, "To set off a student protest at this school, you'd have to be politically tone-deaf in the extreme, out of touch and flying blind."
Howard students don't always protest when they should, but I think overall we stand up when need be. Milloy's statements are objectionable and inaccurate.
He berates Howard as some apolitical university which he claims is "not some hotbed of political activism." However, he conveniently overlooks the political activity of its students. Milloy seems to have had a problem with Howard students for quite some time. I remember looking through the blue books in The Hilltop from the 80s and finding editorials and cartoons accusing Milloy of being an uncle tom. Maybe he's still smarting from his previous interactions with Howard students.
President Swygert wrote a letter to the editor in response which I think was well written. I also wrote Milloy a letter of my own.
Best,
Lauren Anderson
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Sunday, November 6th 2005 at 8:04PM
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