One week after Clark Atlanta University administrators removed the Student Government Association president from office without explanation, questions remain about protocol and the future of campus governance.
Elected the 38th president and vice president, respectively, Mikel Caldwell and Rokita Spencer ran last spring under the platform of “Forward Together,” promising to strengthen student government structure, create opportunities for professional development, increase alumni engagement, and support student organizations and scholarships.
But on Sept. 21, the campus newspaper, The Panther, broke the news that CAU administrators had removed Caldwell and Spencer from office, leaving students without government representation.
It wasn’t until Sept. 25 that Cherise Peters, vice president of enrollment management and student life, released a statement addressing the controversy.
“Following a review conducted in accordance with the governing documents of the Clark Atlanta University Student Government Association (CAUSGA), the University determined that the Undergraduate President and Vice President did not satisfactorily perform certain duties and responsibilities required of their offices.”
Peters noted that “as provided within the bylaws, decisions made under this authority are final and not subject to appeal.”
The next day, in a lengthy post on Instagram titled “For the Record,” Caldwell broke his silence, detailing concerns about his removal as well as allegations of a lack of training and support his administration received despite repeated requests.
The senior business administration major from Atlanta shared some successes during his tenure, including the distribution of scholarships to fellow CAU students. He also clarified that while he had been removed from office by school officials, Spencer resigned.
Caldwell outlined several alleged failures of administrators to provide adequate onboarding and training. He also expressed concerns that they never “received formal, comprehensive training regarding fundraising, outside donations, financial procedures, or third party payment platforms.”
He then addressed issues with a financial expenditure from an unsanctioned SGA CashApp account that was not approved by the executive board.
“I did not create the account. I did not own it. I did not have its login credentials. I never had direct access to it, and I never initiated a transaction from it,” he wrote.
He added: “I will accept responsibility for the decisions that were mine. But the record should also distinguish between my decisions as President and transactions I did not make, authorize, or know about when they occurred. I should not be made responsible for another person’s personal expenditures simply because I held the highest position in our administration.”
There is no confirmation from school that this was the issue that led to the SGA shakeup. Capital B Atlanta has reached out to Peters for comment.
Caldwell then expressed pride in the work they were able to do to support students.
“I do not regret wanting to help students. I do not regret asking people to invest in them. And I will always be proud that six students received support because people believed enough in our vision to give,” he wrote.
Caldwell also thanked people for their support.
“Thank you to every panther who voted for me the first and the second time. Thank you to all those who supported me, challenged me, simply believed I could do something meaningful with this opportunity. You gave a young man with a dream the chance to live it, even if only for a season.”
The voices in support of Caldwell on social media were swift.
SheikKante wrote: “Talk your truth my brother and keep your head. Love always family”
Rikkithefool posted: “A TRUE LEADER”
TorrenBarrett shared: “Well said, your leadership doesn’t stop here”
CodingwithCulture wrote: “After reading this, it became even more evident that your leadership goes far beyond any title. You have made an impact upon my students and made me even prouder to be an alum.”
Drippdadon called for change: “This problem is consistent at too many HBCU’s and schools in general. Our students need true mentorship structure and proper training!”
Spencer shared her own post Saturday on Instagram, writing:
“With gratitude for the opportunity to serve, I officially close this chapter as the 38th Undergraduate SGA Vice President of Clark Atlanta University. I leave with gratitude for every lesson, every relationship, and every opportunity to serve the student body. As I step into what’s next, I do so with peace, purpose, and excitement for the future. Thank you, CAU.”
Addressing the issue of succession, Peters noted the student who received the second-highest number of votes in the most recent election will be appointed to serve as undergraduate president. This student will then recommend a vice president.
No date has been set for an official announcement. The formal inauguration for officers is scheduled for Oct. 26.
