Today, the first day of Black History Month, at least 13 different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) received bomb threats.
Specifically, the institutions in question are Coppin State, Spelman, Morgan State, Howard, Jackson State, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), Alcorn State, Kentucky State, Xavier, Mississippi Valley State, Tougaloo College, Fort Valley State, and Edward Waters University.
Most of these universities went into lockdown and held classes remotely for the day, though some like Howard, Jackson State, and UDC issued all-clears early this morning.
The fact that these threats came in at the start of Black History Month and during a time in which HBCUs are gaining more national recognition and representation in media isn't lost on the community.
These bomb threats arriving during a time when HBCU’s are finally at the forefront in the media does not strike me as a coincidence! We’ve shaken the table this past year, and now we’re receiving bomb threats…
— Trey Hale???? (@whoistrey) February 1, 2022
The irony is that HBCUs exists because of lack of historical access. And now that young Black folk continue to thrive within HBCUs, the very racist structures that helped erect HBCUs, now deem them threats.
— not an HBCU grad, but an HBCU Dad.
— Mark Anthony Neal (@NewBlackMan) February 1, 2022
This troubling news comes just one day after similar threats were made to at least six other HBCUs—including Howard, meaning this prestigious university received two different bomb threats within about 24 hours. Additionally, at least 9 HBCUs received bomb threats back in early January.
In response to this massive issue, the NAACP released a statement and revealed the organization was "closely monitoring" the situation.
"The Black community has long been plagued by threats of domestic terrorism against them in their schools, homes, and houses of worship. As we enter Black History Month, it is all too concerning that we are seeing a resurgence of these threats," the organization wrote on its website.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the widespread matter.
"The FBI is aware of the series of bomb threats around the country, and we are working with our law enforcement partners to address any potential threats," the representative said in a statement. "As always, we would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious to report it to law enforcement immediately."
