Howard University is under scrutiny for a rigorous academic overhaul proposed by university president Sidney Ribeau. The school is not only one of the country's premiere historically black institutions, it has also played a critical role in the nation's culture and scholarship.

The university, which is located in Washington, D.C., is considering whether to slash 20 of its nearly 200 academic programs.

Host Michel Martin talks to Ribeau about his plan, addresses some of the criticism it has drawn and explains why he thinks the proposed changes are good for the school's legacy.

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