The Hampton Letter

Hey Hampton! You guys know how we have traditions of our own, that we continue, right? We pop out, shout our class names (shout out to Quintessence), continue our regional “beef,” etc. Well, I’ve discovered one “tradition” that we have here, that we need to start claiming as well: letters from administration. If you go into your HU email right now and type Dr. Inman into your search bar, you’ve struck the HU Letter Jackpot! Let’s take a small trip down memory lane and reminisce on these informative, yet shady letters, shall we?  

YikYak – November 4, 2014

Social media sites such as Yik Yak were viewed by administration as tools to practice cyber bullying, and to reveal “intimate details about their lives and choices or to make disparaging comments about the university, faculty or staff.” There was a gentle reminder, informing students that if they are caught, that this is a crime punishable by the local court system. Lastly, Dr. Inman said that students perpetrating to be her, President Harvey or Mr. Boone would face fraud charges as well. She ended with calling bullies of YikYak cowardly…ouch.

Dangers of Marijuana – January 26, 2015

The use of marijuana became a “disturbing pattern” on the campus, and administration received notice that someone in the area had been distributing the drug, laced with other drugs. Students were also encouraged to visit the Student Counseling Center or Student Health Center, if they acknowledged a substance abuse problem. Lastly, the letter reminded students of Hampton’s zero-tolerance policy for drugs on campus, oh the good old “Out-By-Five.”

College Beach Weekend – April 1, 2015

The administration of Hampton University wanted to inform all of their students that they were not in any way affiliated with the events in Virginia Beach for College Beach Weekend. (You know they love clearing their name before and after things go down.) Look out for this email this year, in about a month, they send it every year.

Mosquito Bites – March 3, 2016

Avoid getting mosquito bites…as if that’s possible. I think they just sent this letter because they hadn’t sent anything in a while. (Actually, the letter was advisement from the CDC and administration warning us about mosquito borne illnesses.)

Churches – September 15, 2016

This letter was telling us about Hampton supporting our religious choices, but administration wanted to inform us that not all religious organizations have our best interest at heart – therefore conflicting with the “activities planned for students.” …because chapel is the only answer.

Parking – October 3, 2016

Though there is little to no parking on campus to begin with, HUPD felt the need to send a letter in regards to student parking. “If you are not faculty/staff stay out of the spaces reserved for faculty and staff. If you’re a commuting student use the commuter lots. If you’re a resident park in the resident lots.” A little redundant, aren’t we? They didn’t need to send us a letter to tell us that they love giving out tickets, boots and citations…we knew.

Freedom of Speech – October 7, 2016

We received this letter reminding us that we should all embrace our First Amendment right, but to a certain extent. As we represent Hampton, we must remember that we cannot threaten or intimidate others. If such a thing is done, you will be “investigated by a massive network of protection agencies.” The trigger of this letter was the uproar at Mizzou, and the Midwest Pre-Alumni Council, the SGA and the student body coming together having the “HU for Mizzou” campaign, and planned on having a march, as well.

Professional Cleavage – October 18, 2016

Everyone’s favorite letter! Who could forget the post-homecoming letter we received due to the rage of the way we communicate, carry ourselves and dress. Apparently Hamptonians are supposed to be dressed in suits 24/7, especially during homecoming. Thought of the day: in the words of Dr. Inman, “There is no such thing as ‘professional cleavage,’ so some garments may be revealing more than you intend to share.”

Harbors Shooting – October 20, 2016

This was one of the few notifications that we’ve received about the dangers of the Harbors, who knows why. Apparently administration was really concerned, but over the years they must not have been too concerned, because you’d think that they would buy it if they did…

Emancipation Oak Cut Down – November 16, 2016

Releasing press releases, letters and having press conferences, President Harvey obviously felt strongly about the Virginia Department of Transportation cutting down the historical Emancipation Oak for the I-64 expansion. Does he feel as strongly about mold in the dorms?

Talladega at Trump’s Inauguration – January 19, 2017

In addition to writing a $100,000 check to his alma mater, President Harvey wrote a letter to CNN supporting the marching band’s performance in the inaugural parade. In the letter he said that the parade was a “chance to spotlight historically black colleges,” which is exactly what he did in the letter, seemingly trying to put a spotlight on his works at Hampton for a majority of the letter.

Housing Deposit Extended – February 14, 2017

If there is one thing that Hampton University does not play about, is their money. They want us to pay our advanced housing deposits for next year, but our dorms are trash and parking is horrible. PLUS, they extended the deposit, and they keep sending emails about this money but they won’t even take care of the dorm issues! Did ya’ll peep the shade at the bottom of the letter? “Please, no bottle caps or green stamps – U.S. dollars only!”

The Quad – February 16, 2017

BET’s newest sitcom based off of a fictional HBCU showing the shadiness and scandal up close and personal was a show that President Harvey wasn’t too fond of. Though he didn’t write this letter to us, many students voiced their opinions about the letter and about the show as well. How do you feel about the Quad?

The Quad Clapback – February 18, 2017

Though this wasn’t a Hampton letter or written by an administrator, it was still quite entertaining to read considering Debra Lee and Anika Noni Rose clapped back pretty hard in response to President Harvey’s letter. “If it’s not for you, turn the station.” –Anika Noni Rose

Well, here we have it. A few of the many infamous letters of Hampton University. Of course there are more, but we just needed a good laugh about how our administration loves writing. It’s alright, we’ve learned to survive with dorms older than our parents, café food that is suspected to have laxatives, and who could forget the Hampton Runaround? I guess it just comes with the sea-surrounded territory.