DOVER, Del. – An HBCU leader is facing legal trouble after Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to court records obtained by WBOC. The case places one of the most visible HBCU executives in the country under scrutiny.
Court documents show the incident occurred on July 21, with charges officially filed in Delaware’s Court of Common Pleas on August 12. Allen faces two charges: DUI alcohol and failure to remain in a single lane. At this time, authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the incident within Delaware.
Allen, who has led Delaware State since 2020, has been a prominent national figure, particularly in conversations about the role of HBCUs in higher education and civic life. He previously served as CEO of the 2021 Presidential Inaugural Committee and has been recognized for his efforts to expand Delaware State’s reach and resources.
In a statement addressing the situation, a Delaware State spokesperson acknowledged the charges but declined to provide further details. “We are aware of the recent news reports involving University President Dr. Tony Allen,” the statement read. “This matter is part of an active legal process, and we will not be commenting further at this time. Our focus remains on advancing the University’s mission – delivering exceptional education, supporting our campus community, and achieving our strategic goals.”
The development comes at a time when HBCUs like Delaware State are experiencing heightened national attention and investment. For now, the university community awaits clarity on how the case will proceed and what impact, if any, it may have on Allen’s leadership role.
Dumb, Dumb move. Smh..
What is happening in America today? You have a president that has been charged with 30+ counts of felonies, taking away democracy, instigating violence, inciting an insurrection on the capitol, taking government jobs, food, education, and the pursuit of happiness from many households, and that’s okay? You have an HBCU president that you’re trying to ridicule and discredit him for a DUI. This whole scenario stinks of discrimination and profiling. We will never be great with segregation and discrimination again.
Just because he may fallen off. He is human . I feel that they put to much on these black men . Everyday whole them.high standards . One mistake lead to just saying we don’t need you or want you over our board or whatever position you have . I don’t see why he got prove himself . He did excellent job . Yes sometimes the pressure just get to much . He knows he made a bad choice . Maybe he forgot to ask someone to call him cab . He thought he got home all other times no problem. I pray it works out him . He knows going to have impact . I know he really wish it go away . I’m sure I see nose turning up . It be nice for change he get a pass . I know it is rules . Praying he learned his lesson . He move on .
As if we don’t have enough problems, come on if you’re going to be a leader then be a leader you signed up to set the example we all feel the pressure but you have to set the example as a man and as president, go running or exercise for 10/15 minutes but drinking is not answer.
He is human. Stop making poor judgements character flaws. They are different!
Dr. Allen deserves support to keep leading the University into the 21st century. Addiction, especially in the Black community, is a health issue—not a crime. We must treat it with care, not punishment.