Celebrating Women's History Month

Dear Howard University Community,

The recollection and examination of history is always a worthwhile pursuit. The study of history prioritizes truth, amplifies the humanity of those who came before, and orients us to the moment we are in by helping us understand where we came from.

However, the true value of remembering our history becomes clear when we use it to inform our present and shape our future.

As we recognize Women’s History Month this March, we would do well to explore the instrumental role women have always played in our society and within our institution. Especially here at Howard, it is vital that we recognize both our foundational feminist and egalitarian origins as well as our significant shortcomings in regards to representation and diversity.

When our University was created in 1867, our founders made the unusual decision to allow all people to study on our campus regardless of race or gender. At a time when Black men were barred from so many institutions of higher education, and when women of all races were so often prohibited as well, Howard determined that we would be an educational refuge for all people.

While that spirit of inclusivity is embedded in the DNA of our institution, it has not always prevented Howard from veering off course. Rather, actively remembering this core value should help put us back on the right track when we have gone astray.

As recently as last decade, only one of Howard’s 13 deans was female. For a University that prides itself on our history of inclusion and equality, there was no way to see this other than an institutional failure. Howard knows better than most that a lack of representation is not an indication of a shortfall of talent; there were numerous eminently qualified female candidates that were being overlooked for these positions.

Upon reflecting on our history, and thinking of individuals like Lucy Diggs Slowe, the first dean of women at Howard; Patricia R. Harris, Esq., the first female dean of the Howard University School of Law; Jeanne C. Sinkford, the first female dean of the Howard University College of Dentistry; and so many more, we were forced to realize and reckon with the fact that our lack of representation was a structural, systemic and procedural problem. Therefore, we could only resolve it by improving our systems and structures and processes.

Now, we require that all decanal search committees must include at least one female finalist. Due to this change and others, 10 of Howard’s 14 deans are currently Black women, the most of any institution of higher education in the country.

We should all be inspired by the leadership and contributions of the women at Howard and throughout the country. During Women’s History Month this year, let us remember their service as we strive to empower our society to live up to its highest ideals.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery
President