Today marks the first day of Black History Month – a time to honor the history and achievements of black Americans.
Unfortunately, instead of recognizing the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, Senator Tim Scott, or Dr. Ben Carson, just to name a few, universities have decided to honor George Floyd, a career criminal who once held a gun to the abdomen of a pregnant woman.
The New Guard examined the scholarship portals of colleges and universities nationwide, and found that at least 25 institutions continue to dole out funds in his honor – a cumulative $866,336 per year, to be exact.
At North Central University, for example, black students who have “demonstrated leadership roles in their high school career” and performed “service-based work within their community” can receive full-ride scholarships, renewable up to four years.
Floyd, who in addition to threatening to kill a pregnant woman, was constantly in and out of prison for robberies, illegal drug possession, and fraud, was certainly no community leader to look up to.
The scholarship requirements are similar at other schools throughout the nation. At the University of Michigan, recipients of the $221,336 George Floyd Memorial Scholarship must be committed to “bettering their communities” and advocates of “social justice.”
Instead of honoring the life of George Floyd, a man who clearly deserves no honor, universities hoping to inspire black students to be upstanding community leaders should name their scholarships accordingly.
