On Thursday, at least seven different HBCUs in states from Michigan to Florida locked down as they responded to active shooter threats. This was after a surge of racist, anonymous threats that had created fear across the campus. The attacks happened only a day after the killing of Charlie Kirk, and students and faculty are on high alert. Alabama State University, Virginia State University and Hampton University are just a few of the impacted institutions. Additional affected institutions are Spelman College, Southern University and A&M College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Bethune-Cookman University.
In response to the threats, campus activities and classes were cancelled through the weekend as university officials put safety first. Although most of the impacted campuses have now rescinded their lockdown orders, most are still under increased security measures. Federal and local law enforcement agencies have announced investigations into these incidents. This step reflects their firm commitment to address threats with a great deal of urgency.
“These threats are not random. They are targeted attacks on institutions,” stated Makola M Abdullah, president of Virginia State University. This sense of urgency speaks to the creative approach, needing to convey the severity of these threats and their effects on the communities they are targeting.
The threats have been described as “extremely graphic threats of gun violence,” according to the NYU Black Student Union, raising alarms about the potential for real harm. In 2022 the FBI started investigating such incidents. This work resulted in federal hate crime charges against an individual who made dozens of racist bomb threats against HBCUs. This deliberate and constant attack reveals a troubling trend of terrorizing America’s hubs of intellect and diversity.
Hampton University officials emphasized their commitment to safety, stating, “The safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff and visitors remain our highest priority.” This reassurance is a welcome relief to the panic-stricken university environment. It further underscores the need for secure practices to fend off these outside threats.
While investigations by federal and local law enforcement agencies are ongoing, the mood on campuses is still charged. Unfortunately, the increased security now present at these institutions sheds light on the struggles HBCUs continue to endure. Every day, they bust down doors to provide a safe learning environment for every kid.