Shaw University dorm fails fire inspection again; displaced students still living in hotels
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Just a day after the ABC11 I-Team reported Shaw University's Talbert O. Shaw Living and Learning Center (TOS) dormitories failed their latest fire inspection, records show the building failed again.
Students displaced by a fire nearly a month ago remain in hotels, and some parents say they've had enough.
Jessica Williams is one of several parents affected. Her son was displaced after the fire at the Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center.
"It's been terrible, honestly. Just chaos. They are unprofessional and unorganized," Williams said. "Some days the shuttle runs on schedule. Some days it doesn't. If it doesn't, I have to send him money for an Uber or Lyft."
Other students displaced by the fire told ABC11 that the university is covering four hotels to house them, including the Best Western, Hampton Inn, La Quinta, and Quality Inn.
"I really didn't know what to expect coming to college. I'm a freshman. This is something I'll never forget. It's wild. I have to do what I have to do," one student said.
"My parents are fed up and are encouraging me to transfer," said another student.
One student shared a screenshot with ABC11 of a message from a school administrator confirming the plan for students to remain in hotels through the end of the semester.
Fire department records show both the TOS men's and women's dorms failed inspections on Feb. 17 and 18. The fire marshal said there's no timeline for when the university will bring its buildings into compliance. Students now question whether the dorm they call home is safe.
"We're not passing fire inspection. Anything could happen. What are y'all doing to help us stay protected?" a student said.
Shaw University students also report that high schoolers from the Wake Young Men's and Women's Leadership Academy take classes at TOS.
ABC11 reached out to Shaw University for comment and has not received a response. Previously, the university said it takes campus safety seriously and is committed to maintaining a secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.
