The History of Sojourner-Douglass College

The establishment of Sojourner-Douglass College represented a struggle by community leaders and community organizations in the Black community of Baltimore for community self-determination. In the early 1970s, community groups, leaders and the local Council of Churches began discussing the educational needs of local residents and came together working with Antioch College to form Adult Education, Inc. An agreement was reached to found the Homestead Montebello Center of Antioch College, which would serve the Black community by working toward community self-reliance and providing a "culturally pluralistic learning environment." The Homestead Montebello Center was established in fall 1972 to facilitate the creation of an independent four year college, sharing an agreement with Antioch that Homestead Montebello Center would eventually "spin off" to become an independent institution.

Sojourner-Douglass College became an independent institution under Maryland law on February 7, 1980 and on June 19, 1980 the College was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. Maintaining its original mission, Sojourner-Douglass College draws students generally from the large population of adults in the Black community, using a program designed to stimulate the motivation of students and enhance the students' development of positive self images.

Today, Sojourner-Douglass College continues the legacy of self-determination that we began in the 1970’s. Our driving forces have remained the same: educating adults and empowering members of the community.

BUT NOW THE FUTURE OF SOJOURNER-DOUGLASS COLLEGE IS IN DANGER. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Call to Action

Two years ago, The Department of Education reduced the Federal Pell Grant Dispursement from three semesters to two. This poses unique problems for Sojourner-Douglass College due to the trimester-based curriculum. This resulted in a disproportionate financial loss to the College. Additionally, changes to the Pell Programs Lifetime Eligibility now restricts the amount of grants available during a lifetime. This, too, poses a unique problem for Sojourner-Douglass College since the average age of the student body is 36-38 years old. 

Thus, Sojourner-Douglass College has been informed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (“MSCHE” or the “Commission”) that it acted on November 20, 2014 to withdraw accreditation from Sojourner-Douglass, effective June 30, 2015. In informing the College of its decision, the Commission indicated that its action was premised on issues relating to the financial condition of the College. The Commission has informed the College that its accreditation will remain in place until at least June 30, 2015 and the action remains subject to an appeal with the agency that likely will occur in February 2015. The Commission’s action letter can be found on the College’s website at http://www.sdc.edu/commissionactionletter.

The plight facing this institution can be easily be seen as a consequence of changing economic and regulatory circumstances common to many colleges and universities nationwide. For this significant institution to be so singled out with such a threat to its existence is to deny its value to our community and the importance of its mission.

Please show your support for Sojourner-Douglass College by signing this petition and communicating with the Middle States Association your opposition to the withdrawal of accreditation for Sojourner-Douglass College. This institution is essential for the transformation of the lives of families in our community whose needs are not met by other institutions. Sojourner-Douglass College is too important to fail.

I would also ask that you aid the College by supporting legislation that could benefit its financial wellbeing as well as encourage your colleagues and associates to aid in any way possible. I know that you view the education of our community as a priority so I am sure I can count on you to come to the aid of this important institution.