Once Again, a Large Group of HBCUs Subjected to Bomb Threats

On the afternoon and evening of January 4, at least eight historically Black colleges and universities received bomb threats, forcing the educational institutions to institute lockdown, evacuations, and police sweeps of campus buildings and facilities. No bombs were found on any of the campuses.

Once again, multiple HBCUs received bomb threats on January 31 and February 1. Unlike the January 4 incidents when most students had not returned from winter break, the campuses were forced to halt classes and other activities due to the threats.

Among the colleges and universities receiving bomb threats on January 31 were Albany State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Bowie State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, and Southern University and A&M College. On February 1, Howard University, Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Spelman College, the University of the District of Columbia, Kentucky State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Philander Smith College, Arkansas Baptist College, Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Tougaloo College, and Jackson State University received bomb threats. Once again no explosives were found.

Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, said that “the attempt to disrupt targeted our community because of who we serve and the mission we fulfill. The impetus for such a threat cannot be ascribed to anything other than the most primitive form of racism, a form which is neither new nor unique in this country. Today’s bully does not understand that their perspective is antiquated and warped, that it serves less to achieve its aim than to lower their own fortunes, sinking them into the pathetic mire where human depravity dwells.”