In November 2023, Virginia State University made headlines as the first HBCU slated to host a presidential debate for the 2024 election. However, as of earlier this week, this fate historic event is up in the air.

President Biden’s campaign team announced on Wednesday that the Democratic candidate will no longer take part in any upcoming debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates. This decision encompasses the debate originally planned to be hosted by VSU on October 1.

Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chair, wrote a letter to the commission saying, “We are advising you now of this decision, months in advance of the dates you announced you are planning for, to enable you to avoid incurring further production, and other expenses on the assumption that the Democratic nominee, President Biden, will participate.”

In a statement released following the initial announcement naming VSU as the host for the 2024 presidential debate, President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah expressed the university’s excitement, “We are honored and grateful to have been chosen as a host for a 2024 Presidential Debate. This is a historic moment for our university and for HBCUs nationwide. Our university mantra is “Greater Happens Here,” and we look forward to welcoming the candidates, the Commission on Presidential Debates, and the entire nation to the GREATER at VSU.”

Upon receiving the disheartening news, the university expressed their thoughts and disappointment on social media. In a post on Wednesday, the university shared a statement that conveyed their sentiments.

“Virginia State University is disappointed to hear media reports suggesting that the U.S. presidential candidates may not participate in the scheduled October 1, 2024, debate at VSU. A presidential debate at VSU is a huge win, not only for our students and campus community but for the greater community in general. As the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) ever selected to host a general election U.S. presidential debate, VSU recognizes the event’s significance and welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process. We will continue to work closely with the Commission on Presidential Debates and other stakeholders as we assess this situation. VSU will continue to provide updates and further details as they become available.”

Numerous Virginia State University community members continue to advocate for holding the debate at its initially planned time. Nonetheless, the presidential candidates are anticipated to engage in debates facilitated by CNN on June 27 and ABC News on Sept. 10.

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