Historically Black Educational Institutions on High Alert following Safety Threats
Several well-known historically Black colleges and universities, primarily situated in the southern regions of the country, have recently had to take drastic precautions due to potential safety threats. This has led to the temporary suspension of classes and, in some cases, full campus lockdowns. The specifics of these threats are not yet clear.
Response to Threats
Among the universities that have responded to potential threats are Hampton University, Virginia State University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Alabama State University. These institutions took the necessary step of implementing campus-wide lockdowns to protect their students and staff. School social media pages were used to relay the critical information about these "potential threats to campus safety".
Other educational institutions, such as Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, also took action by issuing a shelter-in-place order. This order was lifted later in the afternoon when it was clarified that the threat was targeted towards a neighboring institution, Clark Atlanta University. Despite this, local police forces have joined in efforts to maintain campus safety.
Meanwhile, Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also found it necessary to effect a lockdown. It has since been lifted, but to ensure the safety of all, campus activities and classes have been cancelled for the rest of the week.
Law Enforcement Involvement
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reported to be aware of these "hoax threat calls". They have stated that, while there is currently no information suggesting these threats are credible, they are taking them seriously. The FBI is actively collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to respond to any threats that emerge.
This isn't an isolated incident. Historically Black colleges and universities have unfortunately experienced similar situations previously. Earlier this year, there was a significant increase in threats, with at least 57 institutions receiving bomb threats through various communication channels such as phone calls, emails, messages, and anonymous online posts. The person responsible for a large number of these threats was eventually caught and charged with numerous state offences.
Outcry from Political Figures
The situation has drawn the attention of political figures as well. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly labeled these threats against historically Black colleges and universities as "despicable", commenting that the "surge in hateful extremism is out of control". He has urged the Department of Justice to treat these acts as potential domestic terrorism. Jeffries stressed the importance of not ignoring the threats, especially when they appear to be deliberately targeting Black college students.
As of now, the involved educational institutions are yet to provide additional information regarding the situation.