Multiple Shaw University Buildings Fail Fire Inspections

Students question campus conditions as university addresses fire code deficiencies

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Multiple buildings at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina have failed their fire safety inspections, according to the Raleigh fire marshal. Students have raised concerns about the poor living conditions in the dorms, including issues like dirty bathrooms, missing ceiling panels, and broken fixtures. The university is working to address the fire code violations, but students are frustrated by the lack of transparency from university leadership.

Why it matters

The failed fire inspections and poor campus conditions raise serious concerns about student safety and the university's commitment to providing adequate facilities. As a historically Black university, Shaw's challenges also reflect broader issues facing many underfunded institutions serving marginalized communities.

The details

The Raleigh fire marshal said the university is working to address fire code deficiencies across the campus. Students living in the Talbert O. Shaw Living and Learning Center (TOS) dorm have shared photos of issues like missing ceiling panels, broken shower heads, and worn bathroom drains. The university's own fire safety inspection reports from last June showed eight violations in the women's dorm and five in the men's dorm, including problems with sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and the fire alarm and detection system.

  • The Raleigh fire marshal said the university is currently working to address the fire code violations.
  • The university's annual fire safety inspection reports are from last June 2025.

The players

Imani Norton

A senior student at Shaw University who has lived in the TOS dorm since her freshman year and has experienced ongoing challenges with the living conditions.

Keyshawn Richardson

A freshman student at Shaw University who is frustrated that the university cannot properly maintain the dorms despite the high tuition costs.

Eugene Myrick

A 1994 alumnus of Shaw University who is disappointed in the lack of transparency from the current university leadership, including President Dr. Paulette Dillard.

Shaw University

The historically Black university in Raleigh, North Carolina that is facing issues with fire code violations and poor campus conditions.

Raleigh Fire Marshal

The local fire authority that conducted the inspections and is working with the university to address the fire code deficiencies.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of crazy. We're putting all this money into the school, and they can't even take care of the dorm building that we live in.”

— Imani Norton, Senior Student (abc11.com)

“Bathrooms are dirty. Trash isn't taken out regularly. It's things like that.”

— Imani Norton, Senior Student (abc11.com)

“It's kind of crazy. We're putting all this money into the school, and they can't even take care of the dorm building that we live in.”

— Keyshawn Richardson, Freshman Student (abc11.com)

“She met with alumni this weekend, and said she's going to be gone this summer. So, that tells me a lot.”

— Eugene Myrick, Class of 1994 Alumnus (abc11.com)

What’s next

The Raleigh fire marshal said the university is currently working to address the fire code violations across the campus.

The takeaway

The failed fire inspections and poor campus conditions at Shaw University highlight the challenges facing many underfunded historically Black institutions, where students are forced to endure substandard facilities despite paying high tuition. This raises broader questions about equitable funding and oversight for institutions serving marginalized communities.