Controversy over the removal of Bria Perkins from her Miss Fayetteville State University position is causing concern inside the Fayetteville community.
The university also noted the student privacy laws at Fayetteville prohibit officials from commenting any further, and it did not go well with students.
The decision led to a firestorm of comments:
Bria is honestly the perfect image of a campus Queen. Well rounded, HUMBLE and a servant leader. #bringBriaback
— Dom (@domashley26) January 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/Niyahhhhhh/status/825780191196622848
Fayetteville State strips Miss FSU of her crown https://t.co/fCIWjShSGD via @abc11_wtvd
— Mike Wood (@theovertime1410) January 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/MalikRashod/status/826221111163703296
Arabhis Nicholson started a change.org petition to find out the answer to Miss Fayetteville State’s removal.
Nicholson’s petition already has 532 signatures:
https://twitter.com/HelloQueendom/status/825916000847720448
A Fayetteville email was received by all students with a statement, saying:
“Miss Bria Perkins is no longer serving as Miss Fayetteville State University. Fayetteville State University believes this is in the best interest of the university and its students.”
However, based off of the students’ reaction, it seems the decision was a one-sided decision without the input of the students.
The student body, as well as Bria Perkins, requested a reasoning behind her removal to no avail. Her removal from office prompted Fayetteville students to start the hashtag #BringBriaBack on Twitter, where they began to release their thoughts.
Monday morning students began to rally on campus chanting, “Regain Bria!” and have began circulating a petition around on campus with the end intent of reinstating Perkins as Queen.
We have occupied the building for over and hour now and they still won’t come out and answer us #BringBriaBACK #faystate #unc @fayobserver
— Janeé Sanders (@colourednbeauty) January 30, 2017
#FAYSTATE They Have Locked Chancellors Office. So Much For “Open Door Policy” #BringBriaBack
— Ma’at👑 (@BowBella_) January 30, 2017
According to the Miss Fayetteville State University contract, in the event that anything was to alter in Miss Fayetteville State University’s status or a violation of school policy, the crown will be removed and presented to the first runner-up.
Fayetteville student Janee Sanders emailed FSU administration stating:
“…we have gathered that is under false allegations with no evidence and without the vote of the students who support and put her in her position.”