Exclusive: Student Employee Accused In $1 Million Howard University Financial Aid Scandal Fires Back & Says He's A Victim & Did Nothing Wrong

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 20:
Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick (center) discusses a plan to make improvements to Howard University’s financial standing and patient services at a media briefing at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on September, 20, 2016.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Here is Hankerson’s statement in full:

“First, I want to thank the thousands of people nationwide who have texted, called or messaged me in the midst of this unfortunate situation with prayers and words of support. Please know that I have done nothing illegal or wrong. When the truth comes out, it will be confirmed that I followed all rules and protocol with the approval of the, then, financial aid officers in any grants, scholarships or awards given to me as a student who attended class all year round and traveled abroad.”

“Please also know that I would never do anything to hurt an institution I love so much or the thousands of students who are a part of the Howard University Family that I had the privilege to serve during my undergraduate experience at Howard. It is very sad that in an attempt to attack the current leadership of the school, a portion of my financial profile was illegally shared with media outlets, without any conversation or approval from me or my legal team. Specifically, the story that was posted this morning fails to explain the full scope of my 7 – year experience at Howard University and is most misleading if taken out of context.”

“I graduated from Howard at the top of my undergraduate class and will soon conclude my graduate studies at Howard also amongst the top of my class without a blemish on my record. In all my years at Howard University, I have served this university and my student body in the most professional, ethical and caring manner. When all is fully-disclosed, the truth will prevail, and I know I will be vindicated. I only ask those commenting and posting hurtful things to me and my family to please reserve judgment.”

“Also, and more important to me than this false and misleading story, is the critical violation of my rights by someone associated with my beloved University. Someone has broken into school files and shared my files, which taken out of financial context, portray a very misleading situation. I pray that the University will investigate how a student’s files and financial aid information can be shared and disclosed illegally without approval and a clear violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). My attorney has reached out to the University in hopes of rectifying this matter. In the interim, I will, unfortunately, remain silent and allow the process to play out under the advice of my Counsel, James L. Walker, Jr., in an effort to protect me from future misleading stories.”

“Please respect my privacy and continue to pray for our University and its leadership.”