Education Roundup: Spike in Student-Athlete Academic Performances, NCAA Violations and More

In this week’s edition of what’s going on in education, we have a roundup of the latest news surrounding the academic achievement of African American students for the week of May 19. From an increase in student-athlete academic performances to a cut in sports scholarships and bidding wars on an HBCU, see below for the latest scoop on what’s happening in our community.

Norfolk State University shows improvement in student-athlete performance: Norfolk State had a school-record of 89 student-athletes to be named members of the 2013-2014 MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. The number is an increase by 13 students from last year, with the requirements calling students to be at least in their sophomore year of school and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

City of Atlanta and local church to buy Morris Brown College: The city of Atlanta is partnering with the historic Friendship Baptist Church to buy Morris Brown College out of bankruptcy with a $14.6 million offer according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The college filed for bankruptcy in August 2012 after being roughly $30 million in debt, and in 2013 it rejected a $10 million offer from the city. It’s unclear on whether the city’s new bid will be officially accepted, but bidding deals are expected to be finalized by May 31.

Howard University to cut sport scholarships: Howard University will pay $14,000 in fines and cut scholarships for several men and women sport programs as part of the school’s investigation by NCAA. Both the university and NCAA issued a report about the investigation stating improper use of funds for textbooks, tuition, room and board by student-athletes, as well as improper recruiting and failure to withhold ineligible student athletes from competition between 2010 and 2013.