What I cover
I enjoy writing about how race shapes college campuses, from the dismantling of DEI initiatives to the enrollment boom at historically Black colleges. I approach my reporting through the lens of history, dissecting the ways that past policy, social movements, and discriminatory laws have shaped higher education. I’ve covered the closure of cultural centers on predominantly white campuses; efforts to strip accreditation from HBCUs; and the legal battle some Black colleges have waged on state governments, demanding reparations for years of underfunding. It’s a mission of mine to write stories about race and identity in a way that is holistic and thorough.
My background
I joined The Chronicle in July 2024 as a reporting fellow. Previously, I served as editor in chief of The Hilltop, Howard University’s student-run newspaper. I led the paper’s coverage through historic student protests, campus crime surges, and the tenure of two Howard presidents. I also launched the first investigative section on a historically Black college newspaper, which earned consecutive awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. My drive for journalism is spurred by my desire to speak truth to power. I live by the Sojourner Truth quote, “Truth is powerful, and it prevails.”
Connect
You can reach me with feedback or tips at Jasper.Smith@chronicle.com. You can also follow me on X @JasperJSmith_ and on Bluesky @jasperjsmith.bsky.social.
