News recently broke that numerous historically Black sorority and fraternity sites were vandalized at Howard University, and people want answers.
The Howard community discovered the defacement earlier today, and they swiftly began decrying the vandalism online. Additionally, photos began circulating, showing the extent of the matter and garnering attention on Twitter and Instagram.
Hope @HowardU looks into this seriously. Our organizations have a long standing history on this campus, and the world tbh. And MOST of our orgs started right here. pic.twitter.com/xPOnrOE9Jz
— naiyoncé (@ThePoshLife_) April 13, 2022
The pictures showed how unknown vandals defaced historical markers associated with organizations within the Divine 9 (D9)—an umbrella of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Notably, 5 of the D9 organizations were founded at Howard itself.
The specific organizations targeted in the vandalism were Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Kappa Alpha Psi.
“At least three plots on the university’s Yard have been destroyed in—what we are calling—a disgusting, HBCU hate crime,” HBCU Buzz said of the matter.
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“The University is aware that some of the Divine Nine Greek-lettered organizational plots located on the Main Yard have been defaced,” Howard said. “These senseless acts of vandalism are unacceptable and run contrary to the values of respect and tolerance that we as an institution strive to uphold.”
University police are currently investigating the matter and searching for suspects.
Senseless & Unacceptable | Here is a statement from #Howard University regarding the vandalism found on the Yard earlier today. HU Police are now investigating. (@wusa9) @HowardU pic.twitter.com/34wdFllDJJ
— John Henry (@JohnHenryWUSA) April 13, 2022
This matter comes on the heels of Howard University and many other HBCUs throughout the country receiving bomb threats.
From January on throughout Black History Month, unsubstantiated bomb threats plagued the institutions.
Notably, the FBI revealed from Jan. 6 to Feb. 16—57 HBCUs, places of worship, and faith-based institutions received threats. As Blavity previously reported, some of the most recent threats were against Norfolk State, Elizabeth City State, and Dillard.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the vandalism comes as Howard has been embroiled in various protests. From Howard University Hospital medical staff to faculty and students, people throughout the HBCU have begun to demand better working/living conditions.
