What Is Going On? Community Looks For Answers During Texas Southern University Investigation

HOUSTON- Texas Southern University has found itself in hot water recently. What all started with an investigation into the historic Thurgood Marshall School of Law, has now escalated into a full-blown investigation into the University. This is the starting pentacle of what is now known as the major controversy that is surrounding the university. A reaction to all of these statements has now blossomed into testimonies, investigations, allegations, and now firing of employees. The public is waiting for more details after the surprised verdict of the Board of Regents to release the President of his duties. President Austin Lane at this point has about 30 days to appeal the vote. Now Texas Southern University, has a stand-in president, Chief Financial Officer; Kenneth Hewitt. “They didn’t mention anything that was uncovered in an investigation. If they did they would’ve told you. They got no proof of anything.” said President Austin Lane. He believes, like countless others that attend our school, he is being set up or framed for something that he had no recollection of. In order to truly understand any controversy, one must first start from the source.

Texas Southern University Board of Regents on Wednesday February 5th, shocked the campus with the vote to terminate President Austin Lane. The Board of Regents is accusing Austin Lane, 45, of not reporting improper use of finances to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Soon after, an investigation ensued; with more employees being investigated. The investigation, with many things concerning the Board of Regents, has been kept under wraps.

As a result of the secretive chaos, the Board of Regents had a local televised Town Hall Meeting, where they voted 6 to 1 on President Lane’s employment. When asked for an explanation, the board of regents basically had none. According to Austin’s The Texas Tribune, “The board provided no explanation for the decision but said in a statement that they were “committed to ensuring all activities at the university are conducted in an ethical and transparent manner in accordance with the university's mission, vision and values.” People at the town hall felt betrayed by the Board of Regents and yelled out other accusations of corruption upon the Board itself. President Lane later reported that he felt, “‘off guard’ to KPRC2, he felt that there was a good chance that he would get his job back.” KPRC reported. There were many students and alumni who spoke in front of the board and expressed the same feeling and support for President Lane.

Many students and alumni signed petitions to keep Austin Lane as President. Zaniya Miles is a student here at Texas Southern University who also signed the petition. “We have to do what we can to show support for our president. Even if it’s just a simple retweet to a post. Anything helps.” She said. A lot of students took to social media, to stream the meeting and become part of history. Positive or negative this is still a part of Texas Southern University. Students are demanding a fair trial and the right to know the truth behind what’s really going on. Students on campus felt like It wasn’t fair to them when major newspaper outlets; like the Houston Chronicle, find out before the tuition-paying student body. “I have a record that speaks for itself,” Lane said. Since the Townhall, Lane has released an eight-page rebuttal explaining his evidence against the accusations. Austin Lane’s wife, Loren Lane also posted a video on Facebook to get more students and alumni involved, “... I look forward to putting this pause behind us and getting back to the work that we love — the dedication to the students, the community and the continued advancement of the great work that he’s done thus far and continue to do at (TSU). Until then, go Tigers.” Hesitant and hopeful, the student body waits for the full truth to unfold. *