On Thursday, several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the Southern United States were placed on lockdown or had classes canceled following reports of potential threats to campus safety. Institutions such as Hampton University, Virginia State University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Alabama State University announced their lockdown measures via social media posts, emphasizing their commitment to student safety.
These lockdowns occurred just a day after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and ally of former President Trump, who was shot at an event on a Utah college campus. The recent threats also come in the wake of a disturbing trend of active shooter hoaxes that have impacted numerous college campuses across the nation.
Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, also issued a shelter-in-place order, which was later lifted on Thursday afternoon. This action was taken after nearby Clark Atlanta University reported a threat. Atlanta Police are assisting with the situation, as confirmed by a CNN report.
Meanwhile, Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, initially went on lockdown but has since lifted the restrictions. However, they have canceled all campus activities and classes for Thursday, Friday, and through the weekend, emphasizing the precautionary measures taken for student safety.
The specific nature of the threats faced by these HBCUs has not been disclosed. The FBI's Norfolk field office has acknowledged being aware of “hoax threat calls” targeting HBCUs, indicating that while no credible threats have been confirmed, they are collaborating with local law enforcement to address any reported threats seriously.
This incident is not isolated; HBCUs have faced threats in the past. In early 2022, a significant wave of threats peaked with at least 57 colleges receiving bomb threats through various means, including phone calls and anonymous online posts. At that time, a minor was charged with making numerous threats, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the threats against HBCUs, labeling them as “despicable.” He expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of hateful extremism and urged the Department of Justice to investigate these incidents as potential acts of domestic terrorism. Jeffries emphasized the importance of taking action rather than ignoring the targeting of Black college students.
As the situation develops, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of students and faculty across affected campuses, while the community calls for a thorough investigation into the threats directed at these institutions.
