Nepotism hampers university’s progress

Last week I wrote about courtesy at Florida A&M University and how we
must all do our part. I began my piece with an example of how I was treated in a manner that wasn’t exactly welcoming.

I received a call from an individual in the Registrar’s office inquiring about who
the individual was.

I left that information out purposely.

To me it’s not about who did it, its about addressing the action itself.

This issue is bigger than the individual.

But there is another reason why I left out the name of the person I encountered that day.

This person is actually related to an acquaintance of mine.

Because I did not want to offend him, I decided against it.

Still, why should I feel compelled to show “special” treatment? I wasn’t in the wrong. But I knew this would cause a rift between my
friend and I.

One of my dearest professors in the School Journalism & Graphic Communication pulled me to the side and we talked about the hazy situation.

She agreed that what I did was understandable, but noted that many at the university deal with the same thing on a daily basis.

Many are afraid to speak out against issues because nepotism seems to reside in every corner at our institution.

Like all Historically Black Colleges and Universities, there are families that have ties to their institution from its beginnings, and their family heritage is intertwined with the university’s history.

During President Ammons’ interviewing process in 2007, some could detect hints of favoritism towards him because he was one of our own. Even at Ivy League universities, there are family legacy’s that hover.

But there is one thing that differs from those institutions and ours.

They do not put people in positions in which they are not qualified.

And if they do, they are quickly disposed of.

Though Ammons is a native son, I highly doubt he would have gotten the position if he were not qualified or competent.

So why can’t this be said for a considerable amount of people in position on the ‘Hill, who just so happen to be related?

I’ll tell you why – they got the “hook up.”

Why don’t black businesses work?

One, as a people we don’t support these black-owned establishments.

Two,
when we do support them, the service is sub-par and usually nothing is done because many in the business have personal
relationships with each other.

Which brings me back around full circle.

If we want our university to not only survive, but thrive, we must prune the dead weight that doesn’t allow for us to succeed.

And sadly, this means that someone’s auntie must get the boot.

Wesley Martin is a senior magazine production student from Miami. He can be reached at Wes.N.Martin@gmail.com.