Black US colleges restrict campus activity after threats
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Virginia State University (above), which went into lockdown on Sept 11, has lifted some restrictions and says increased security will remain on campus.
PHOTO: VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY/FACEBOOK
Follow topic:
WASHINGTON – Some historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the US went into lockdown on Sept 11 after they received reports of threats against them, the educational institutions said.
The threats are being probed by the authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it took those concerns seriously but added that it had no indication of a credible threat but was aware of “hoax threat calls” to a number of HBCUs.
Alabama State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, Southern University and A&M College, and Bethune-Cookman University locked down their campuses and cancelled classes on Sept 11, the institutions said in separate statements.
The statements from the universities did not provide details on the nature of the reported threats. As the day advanced, the universities lifted some restrictions and said no injuries were reported.
HBCUs have also previously faced threats, including simultaneous bomb threats against a dozen such institutions in February 2022.
Over the years, US intelligence agencies have warned of threats posed by domestic criminal and extremist groups.
“The violent threats made today against several historically black colleges and universities throughout the nation are despicable and yet another indication that the explosion of hateful extremism is out of control,” Democratic House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.
Rights advocates condemned the threats.
Hampton University in Virginia said it received notice of a threat, which led to cancellation of campus activities for Sept 11 and 12.
“Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus,” it added.
Alabama State University had suspended campus activities for Sept 11 after a reported threat. It said later in the afternoon that it received an “all clear” from law enforcement.
“While the immediate threat has been resolved, all non-essential day-to-day operations remain suspended for the remainder of the day, and the campus is still closed to the public,” the university said, adding that it was asking students to shelter in place in their residence halls.
Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana lifted a lockdown that it said was caused by a campus safety threat.
It added that campus activities and classes would remain cancelled on Sept 11 and 12 and through the weekend.
Virginia State University, which went into lockdown, also lifted some restrictions and said increased security would remain on campus. REUTERS
