After a spirited Homecoming weekend at Southern University and A&M College, the campus was left in disarray. Piles of litter, including empty bottles, food containers, clothing items, and broken seating, were scattered across key areas like the Mini Dome, Greek Streets, and the Union. The mess lingered well into Sunday, drawing concern from students, staff, and campus organizations.
By Monday afternoon, cleanup crews had restored much of the campus to its usual condition. However, for many students, the damage left behind was more than just an fright, it was a sign of deeper disregard for the university’s spaces, traditions, and the community that works hard to maintain them.
Among the most troubling reports were trash bags left on Greek plots, areas that hold cultural and historical significance for many students and alumni. These spaces are often used to honor legacies, celebrate milestones, and foster unity among campus organizations. Seeing them treated as dumping grounds sparked outrage and disappointment across social media and student group chats.
Broken benches and scattered debris near the library added to the frustration, especially for those who view the campus as a reflection of Jaguar pride. The sight of damaged property and careless littering contradicted the values Southern students strive to uphold: respect, unity, and tradition.
“It’s disgusting, how people, alumni and even SU students, come and break our school benches,” said Ja’Asia Robertson, a sophomore nursing major. “We take pride in our campus, and it’s frustrating to see it treated like this.”
Racquel Burton, a sophomore criminal justice major, repeated those concerns. “Whoever made the mess should’ve cleaned up after themselves and thrown their trash away properly,” Burton said. “There’s no reason to leave trash bags on any Greek plot. That’s just disrespectful.”
Leonard Harris, a computer lab manager at Southern, pointed to alumni as a major source of disruption. “What makes it so bad, it’s not the students, it’s the alumni,” Harris said.
Despite the mess, students stepped up. Several campus organizations volunteered to help clean up that Sunday, collecting trash, sweeping walkways, and restoring common areas. Their efforts were widely appreciated, but many noted that even the most committed volunteers can only do so much on a campus as large and active as Southern’s. The scale of the damage required more than just student initiative, it called for institutional support and a shift in visitor behavior.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about accountability during high-traffic events. During Southern’s 2025 Homecoming, multiple arrests were made, including one for gunfire during the game. In response, the university has increased security and emphasized the importance of community responsibility. Still, students say that safety measures alone aren’t enough. Respect for campus spaces must be a shared value, not just a policy.
As Southern continues to host large-scale celebrations, students are calling for a renewed commitment to care and accountability. Their message is clear, honoring the university means more than showing up, it means showing care. Whether alumni, students, or visitors, everyone has a role to play in preserving the spaces that define Jaguar pride.
