Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) received a bomb threat, and the HBCU, located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina, ultimately evacuated earlier today.
"ECSU received a bomb threat. Students and employees should LEAVE CAMPUS IMMEDIATELY," reads a university announcement. "Students *WITHOUT* cars: go to Roebuck Stadium Parking Lot @ 1509 Herrington Road for transportation. Off-campus across from STEM Complex."
"Students with cars: report to South Park Sports Complex at 110 Capital Trace, Elizabeth City 27909 immediately," university officials added. "Stay away from the campus area. ECSU is working with law enforcement to respond."
ECSU hasn't issued any further updates at this time.
Shortly after the institution received its bomb threat, Norfolk State University (NSU), an HBCU less than an hour north of Elizabeth City State University, announced a similar situation.
"Norfolk State University has received a bomb threat from an unknown source. We are asking everyone on campus to continue to shelter in place. No classes or campus events will be held until the campus has been cleared of threats," reads NSU's announcement.
A couple of hours later, Norfolk State issued an all-clear and proceeded with normal operations.
Dillard University has also received bomb threats earlier today, just a few days ahead of Mardi Gras.
"Dillard University has received a bomb threat. Several law enforcement agencies have been notified and are investigating the threat on campus. The campus will be closed for the remainder of the day," university officials wrote.
As Blavity previously reported, at least 13 HBCUs received bomb threats at the start of Black History Month. It's also worth acknowledging that the FBI has revealed that at least 57 HBCUs, places of worship, and faith-based institutions received malicious threats between Jan. 4 and Feb. 16.
Peter Hans, President of the University of North Carolina System, acknowledged these threats at yesterday's Board of Governors, referring to them as "anonymous threats of violence meant to intimidate and divide us."
