Delaware State University President Charged With DUI

Delaware State University president Tony Allen has been charged with driving under the influence in a July incident that was first reported by The Delaware News Journal last week.

Allen, who has led DSU since 2020, allegedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.128 percent, or about 1.5 times over the state legal limit, according to court records obtained by the newspaper. Allen was reportedly driving his personal vehicle when he was pulled over July 21.

Allen, a former speechwriter for Joe Biden when he was in the Senate, was appointed to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in 2021 after Biden was elected president in 2020. Allen continued to serve on the board until earlier this year.

Delaware State officials have made limited remarks about the matter.

“We are aware of the recent news reports involving University President Dr. Tony Allen. This matter is part of an active legal process, and we will not be commenting further at this time,” Delaware State Board of Trustees chairman Leroy A. Tice wrote to Inside Higher Ed in an emailed statement. “Our focus remains on advancing the University’s mission—delivering exceptional education, supporting our campus community, and achieving our strategic goals.”

Allen’s drunk-driving charge follows a more serious incident elsewhere. 

Last month, University of Nebraska regent Elizabeth O’Connor was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.321 percent, which is four times the legal limit. O’Connor was accused of crashing into another vehicle, causing serious injuries, including breaking the back and pelvis of a passenger in the other car. She remains on the Board of Regents, and fellow members have signaled they will support her as the legal case plays out.