The president of Delaware State University, Dr. Tony Allen, has been formally charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in connection with a traffic stop that occurred on July 21, 2025, according to recently revealed court documents.
The arrest was first reported by The Delaware News Journal, which stated that Dr. Allen was operating his personal vehicle when he was pulled over by law enforcement. A subsequent breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.128%—which is more than 1.5 times the legal limit of 0.08% in Delaware.
Dr. Tony Allen has served as president of Delaware State University (DSU) since 2020 and gained national prominence when he was appointed by President Joe Biden to the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in 2021. He previously worked as a speechwriter for then-Senator Biden and has long been viewed as a respected leader in both academic and political spheres.
University officials have remained largely silent on the charge. In a statement to Inside Higher Ed, Board of Trustees Chairman Leroy A. Tice said:
“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. Our focus remains on advancing the University’s mission—delivering exceptional education, supporting our campus community, and achieving our strategic goals.”
While Dr. Allen's alleged DUI did not involve a crash or injuries, his case surfaces amid growing scrutiny of DUI incidents among public officials and educational leaders. Just last month, University of Nebraska regent Elizabeth O’Connor was arrested with a BAC of 0.321%, nearly four times the legal limit. In that case, a crash occurred, causing severe injuries to a passenger in another vehicle.
These incidents point to an urgent need for greater accountability, particularly when it comes to leaders entrusted with the well-being of students, staff, and communities.
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, we understand that even a seemingly “routine” DUI traffic stop can have far-reaching consequences. Driving under the influence places the driver and others at significant risk, often leading to fatal or catastrophic outcomes.
While no injuries were reported in the Delaware State incident, the danger posed by a BAC of 0.128% is real. Research consistently shows that impaired driving:
Slows reaction time
Blurs judgment
Increases the likelihood of crashes
Endangers pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists
When DUI incidents do result in injuries or death, victims and their families have the right to seek civil justice in addition to criminal prosecution. Our team handles DUI-related injury and wrongful death cases with compassion and determination, often uncovering:
Overservice by bars or restaurants (Dram Shop Liability)
Repeat DUI offenders who were improperly released
Government entities that failed to enforce traffic safety laws
Our mission is to ensure that those affected by reckless and impaired driving receive full compensation and that public safety is prioritized over public status.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an incident involving a drunk or impaired driver—whether that driver was a public figure or private citizen—we are here to help.
Contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney today for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team will listen to your story, explain your rights, and guide you through the process of holding all responsible parties accountable.
Drunk driving is preventable. Justice should never be optional.
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