Earlier this month, Howard University students condemned local residents who picnicked, sunbathed, exercised and dog walked on The Yard, an open campus area surrounded by academic buildings.

The controversy has sparked a debate about race and gentrification. Many students said residents are degrading the school’s space by walking their dogs on the campus, especially when the dogs relieve themselves on the lawn.

Howard University is a private institution so what’s more obnoxious about this situation is that it hasn’t been resolved swiftly. There’s no compromising with disrespect. — LaKendra (@lkendraharden) April 19, 2019

Stop moving to areas you don’t understand. HOWARD UNIVERSITY IS A HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE. This story and the one where that lady tried to shut down go go music in the neighborhood youth center since she didn’t like the music. Y’all really need to quit with the disrespect https://t.co/DVOOYRWxFK — RAMADAwhite (@RamadaWhite) April 20, 2019

Hahahahaaaa. The courts would have to be involved in this one... There needs to be some form of charges brought against these fools that seek to disrespect us...that would help stop it! I'm a Howard University alumni... This is disturbing to me. — Tania🍃 (@taniathorne2) April 20, 2019

On the other hand, some locals believe the campus is a public space.

Recent reports have came out that Howard University Students feel disrespected by residents using the yard as a dog park 🐕 but this resident thinks the campus should be moved 😮😡 pic.twitter.com/stxHUWtu2X — Angie Ange In The Morning (@AngieAngeAM) April 19, 2019

Frederick noted the 152-year-old historically black college has shared a “long-standing relationship” with the residential area for years, listing an array of campus events that have been open to everyone.

He said the school has previously held meetings with the advisory neighborhood committees and has recently reached out to them to “engage in dialogue.”

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