Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge (Southern University)
Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) went on lockdown Thursday after receiving threats, the schools confirmed.
Although lockdowns have since been lifted, schools that received the threats continue to act with an abundance of caution. In an era of mass shootings — and following a wave of violence Wednesday and a spate of hoax calls about active shooters at the start of the school year — some universities opted to call off classes for the rest of the week and send students home.
HBCUs on lockdown
What we know: FOX 35 Orlando reports the following schools that were on lockdown because of threats. There are several more in other states.
- Bethune-Cookman University - Daytona Beach, Florida
- Alabama State University - Montgomery, Alabama
- Virginia State University - Petersburg, Virginia
- Southern University and A&M College - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Hampton University - Hampton, Virginia
- Clark Atlanta University - Atlanta, Georgia
What we don't know:
The nature of the threats are unclear, but local reports described the threats as "terroristic." It’s also unclear if all the threats to various HBCUs are related.
What they're saying:
Hampton University sent out the following alert:
"Hampton University has received notice of a potential threat and has ceased all non-essential activity, effective immediately. The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remain our highest priority.
Police presence at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, after threats made to HBCUs across the US (FOX 35 Orlando)
"All campus activities and classes are canceled on Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, to include all athletic events and activities. The campus community is encouraged to conduct any meetings remotely. All students who are on campus are encouraged to minimize their movement across campus except for essential activities. Students residing off-campus should not come to campus at this time. All non-essential personnel, including faculty and staff, should evacuate campus immediately. Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus.
"It is imperative that all members of the Hampton University community remain vigilant. If you see something, say something."
The FBI, in a statement Thursday, said it is "aware of hoax threat calls" to HBCUs.
"The FBI takes these threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk," the agency said, but added there doesn't appear to be a credible threat.
The Congressional Black Caucus also released a statement Thursday in response to threats at HBCUs:
"The threats made against several Historically Black Colleges and Universities are not only vile—they are a chilling reminder of the relentless racism and extremism that continues to target and terrorize Black communities in this country," the statement reads.
"These terroristic threats, designed to intimidate and foment hatred against everyday Americans—in this case, Black institutions of higher learning—cannot go unchallenged and must not be swept aside. Black students and HBCU communities deserve to be protected.
"The Congressional Black Caucus stands in full solidarity with the students, faculty, and staff of HBCUs around our nation, and we remain committed to ensuring their safety and security.
"The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI must act swiftly to fully investigate these threats and pursue the appropriate legal action against those responsible."
The threats come after the high-profile murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but according to ABC News, officials believe the threats are unrelated.
The Source: This report includes information from FOX 35 Orlando, Al.com and Hampton University.