Winthrop University BSU (Black Student Union) hopes to foster a safe and supportive community for the black student population on campus.
By Ta’Ni Miller
News Editor
News
Amidst recent racial controversy surrounding Winthrop administration as of Spring 2026, a new club has formed centered around providing a supportive space to uplight black students.
Two protests took place this spring after outrage sparked over allegations of racial insensitivity by University administration were brought to light.
Background on Allegations
Whistleblower Todd Hagins filed a state court lawsuit and a Charge of Discrimination against Winthrop University in September of 2025 on claims of witnessing racial discrimination, gender discrimination and homophobia in the workplace.
This decision came after he was fired from his position as General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
Hagin’s legal complaints said the decision for his termination from the University was in part caused by his opposition to former employee Amy Bailey’s termination, after she made complaints about a hostile work environment.
Bailey said that she overheard on numerous occasions white administrators in the President’s office using racial slurs in the workplace.
Tammie Phillips, one of the main alleged perpetrators, had recently been promoted to Executive Director in the Office of the President.
After filing a federal discrimination complaint in November 2025 with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Bailey was fired in December 2025.
Winthrop University denied the accusations of retaliation and racism, citing the decision was solely based on “misconduct” within her position as Administrative Coordinator.
Additionally, Hagins further alleged that the change of the student government model from the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) to a Student Government Association (SGA) was a deliberate act by the Winthrop Board to reduce minority involvement.
In response, Winthrop filed a legal malpractice suit against Hagins along with President Serna sending an email to all students, citing that his allegations of racial insensitivity were “false and misleading.”
Winthrop also claimed that the model change was first initiated and requested by the club itself.
The email sent on April 27 highlighted how there was “no place for racial comments or racial insensitivity within Winthrop” and specifically how Winthrop has seen a significant increase in Black/African-American student enrollment over recent years.
However, many students felt that this response lacked real accountability, initiative and transparency within administration and staff.
Student Protests
Students organized two peaceful on-campus protests in retaliation to the situation. Participants were encouraged to wear black outfits and make posters voicing their concerns.
The first protest occurred during Cram Jam, a study day hosted by Winthrop in the Eagle Eatery that provided food, music and games.
Students came together on Monday, April 27 and handed out informational flyers about the ongoing situation to educate their peers, before marching out of the event and gathering in front of the Amphitheatre. I believe they also gave links to hagin’s filing, not sure
Many students could be seen celebrating together with their own hymns and singing. Accounts described this event as a surreal experience that gave students more confidence to voice their opinions about the injustice on campus.
Large turnout from this event led to the creation of a second protest on Tuesday, April 28 organized by the student movement titled “WU United.”
Students marched across the entire Winthrop campus to further demonstrate their outrage and concern on the recent allegations.
Multiple news channels from Charlotte covered the event live.
Creation of BSU
After these protests, the question of how minority voices are represented on campus became a serious discussion across campus.
In response to recent controversy and student demand, concerned students created BSU with the goal to showcase and uplift the large black student population on Winthrop’s campus.
BSU President JB Simmons, junior human development and family studies major, helped lead the WU United movement before chartering BSU during his sophomore year.
“I wanted to be able to create an organization that really can give the black community here a safe and inclusive environment, where they could be able to join and create their own events,” Simmons said.
One of the main highlights of the club, Simmons shared, is the ability of all members to have input in upcoming events during mass meetings. Any student can help create an idea they would like to see happen with approval of a committee chair.
The organization’s mission statement includes “fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that celebrates the culture, heritage, and achievements of the American-American community on campus.”
Vice President Kendrick Pulliam, senior integrated marking communication major shared that his belief in strength in numbers will bring the black community together under one united goal.
BSU has various committees such as Community Service, Media, Event Planning & Fundraising and Education & Advocacy that are open for all students to join.
Education initiatives are a core aspect of the club, with executive staff sharing information about professional enhancement within the workplace and positive ways for students to be more involved on Winthrop’s campus.
Students interested in joining BSU can contact the club via Instagram handle @winthropbsu for more information.
