CBC Foundation to Audit its Scholarship Program

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation scholarship program will undergo an “extensive audit” in the wake of Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson’s admission that she had awarded eight scholarships last year to her grandsons, great-nephews and a top aide’s children in violation of the program’s eligibility rules.

“I have begun the process of conducting an extensive audit of the scholarship program. As part of that audit, I have instructed every member of the Caucus, along with CBCF staff, to immediately review systems to ensure the highest degree of transparency, integrity and disclosure,” Rep. Donald M. Payne (D-N.J.), chairman of the foundation, said in a statement.

“Neither the Foundation nor the CBC will allow unethical behavior in the awarding of scholarships or any programs that are designed to benefit the community,” the statement continued. “The Foundation, like most other philanthropic organizations, functions with a high level of checks and balances. Even in some of the most secured and highly respected philanthropic organizations, there are weaknesses, and there are people who find a way around the system.”

On Sunday, The Dallas Morning News reported that between 2005 and 2008, Johnson, a Texas Democrat whose district includes Dallas, awarded up to $20,000 in 15 scholarships to two of her grandsons, two great-nephews and the children of aide Rod Givens. Awards given in 2009 raised the total to more than $25,000.

Read more: (Jackie Jones, “CBC Foundation to Audit its Scholarship Program,” BlackAmericaWeb, 09/02/10)