"Earlier this month, Morris Brown College's Board of Trustees abruptly laid off the historically Black college's president, Kevin James, after seven years at the helm. James took to social media and decried the board's actions, noting that the college regained accreditation during his tenure and the institution couldn't afford instability with an upcoming meeting with the accreditor. A week later, the board announced his reinstatement, even as allegations against James surfaced in local media."
"Channel 2 Action News reported that it obtained multiple employee complaints against James, including claims of harassment and retaliatory behavior. An alumni group has since called for his re-firing. "After careful review, the Board determined that Dr. James' separation from the College did not fully comply with the procedural and contractual requirements outlined in his employment agreement," a statement from the board read. The board also acknowledged worries about James, noting that "retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is not acceptable.""
Morris Brown College's board abruptly fired president Kevin James after seven years, and James publicly protested that the college had regained accreditation during his tenure and that instability would jeopardize an upcoming accreditor meeting. A week later the board reinstated James even as local media reported employee complaints alleging harassment and retaliatory behavior and an alumni group demanded his firing. The board said the separation did not follow contractual procedures, condemned retaliation, and pledged appropriate processes and governance reviews to restore trust, transparency and accountability. Commentary questioned whether fractious boards, presidents, or unclear bylaws drive HBCU leadership churn.
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