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B-CU students continue fight for change

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Some Bethune-Cookman University students are speaking out again about the crisis threatening the school's legacy.

One problem is the school's debt, which totals more than $100 million.

The other is the accrediting body has placed the school on probation.

Protesters converged on the campus Monday, demonstrating outside the school's White Hall and chanting "Hail Mary," a reference to the school's founder, Mary McLeod Bethune.

The board of trustees is accused of procedural violations in relation to a resolution putting in new financial protections limiting the president’s authority

In January, B-CU filed suit against its former president, claiming bribery and corruption over the campus’ newest residence hall.

In August, four board members resigned after the alumni association claimed the school is in more than $120 million debt. Its bond rating was downgraded to junk status.

Students and alumni are asking for a new board of trustees.

The board met with the university’s president on Thursday.

"Going forth, we're really just looking for really just getting clarity on what the real situation is and keeping the vision of Dr. Mary McCleod Bethune's legacy alive," said Tahric Danzy, the school's junior class president.

During Wednesday's rally, students demanded that the school's board of trustees keep interim president Hubert Grimes.

"If he is removed, it will reflect poorly in a time where Bethune-Cookman University is in desperate need of stability," student Arthur Wright said.

Students said they also want answers about integrity after the institution was accused of misstating enrollment numbers to pad funding.

The 114-year-old university is at risk of losing its accreditation, making degrees essentially worthless.

"Dr. McCleod Bethune left a legacy that all Americans, all humans can live from and learn from, so if this institution is not around, there will be a lot of hurt in the world," said Denzel Smith, vice president of the Student Government Association.

Grimes is expected to present his plan on moving forward to the board of trustees Thursday.

Karen Parks

Karen Parks, WFTV.com

Karen Parks is a reporter at WFTV.