Bennett College has raised $1.5 million so far in its "I Stand with Bennett" campaign. The school's accreditation status has been revoked but officials are appealing that decision.In December, Bennett officials announced they need a minimum of $5 million to prove to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools that they are fiscally responsible and can operate for the next three years.
Some alumni of the historically black private women's college aren't happy with the current financial situation and have a petition calling for Board of Trustees Chairwoman Gladys Robinson to step down.
However, freshman Marshele Parker said she doesn't want to see that happen and she remains positive.
“While I think [Robinson] could've prepared better since we have been on a probationary period since 2016, I admire her for not leaving in 2016 and sticking with Bennett,” she said.
Other students like Najiia Thomas are cautiously optimistic. The sophomore and fourth generation Bennett student said the situation with her school is scary.
“At the end of the day, if we don't get everything that we need, some of us are about to graduate in two years,” she said. “We don't want to lose accreditation and start all the way over again.”
Bennett College officials will meet with the association on February 18.