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More than a dozen historically black colleges and universities reported bomb threats on the first day of Black History Month, marking the second consecutive day of threats at many of the HBCUs.
Jackson State University, Howard University, Coppin State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Morgan State University, Alcorn State University, Tougaloo College, Kentucky State University, Fort Valley State University, Xavier University, University of the District of Columbia, Spelman College and Edward Waters University all reported bomb threats Tuesday.
David Wilson, president of Morgan State University in Baltimore, which closed its campus Tuesday after a bomb threat was reported, called for the FBI to “aggressively” investigate the threats made to its campus and other HBCUs. “Our history has been one where we have endured all kinds of challenges and disruptions, but we have always emerged stronger,” Wilson said.
US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona called the threats “disturbing” and said they would not be tolerated.
“My team will continue to work with students, faculty, and alumni to make sure HBCUs continue to be a safe place for students to learn,” Cardona tweeted Tuesday.
The FBI reported both Monday and Tuesday that it was taking action after the latest string of threats.
“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 statement said. “As always, we would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious to report it to law enforcement immediately.”
University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman released a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying: “It’s devastating and despicable that we begin Black History Month with bomb threats at our nation’s HBCUs, including the USM’s own Bowie State University and Coppin State University, as well as fellow Maryland HBCU Morgan State University. “We stand in solidarity with our historically Black institutions, knowing that their strength is our strength, and that their power — on display like never before — will not be diminished by cowardly acts meant to menace and harm and intimidate.”
“If the intent of these threats was to restrict access to our historically Black institutions — to restrict access to higher education itself — it will fail. If it was meant to sow division, it will fail. If it was meant to terrorize students and communities of color, it will fail. Because we will work even harder to make sure our HBCUs, and everyone they serve, feel the full weight of our protection and support.”
This is the third time within a month that HBCUs have been the subject of threats. No bombs or weapons have been found on campuses, and no arrests have been made.
