CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC/NEXSTAR) – Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) went into lockdown on Thursday following reports of threats to campus safety, according to school representatives.
The affected schools include Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia; Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia; Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida; Clark Atlanta University in Georgia; and Alabama State University in Montgomery.
Students and faculty were warned about the threats on Thursday morning. By mid-afternoon, some lockdowns were lifted after law enforcement officials completed sweeps.
Virginia State University’s spokesperson informed Nexstar’s WRIC that the closure was “due to a potential threat.” Hampton University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Southern University and A&M College issued similar alerts about a “potential threat” received by the schools.
Virginia State also confirmed there had been no reports of injuries on its campus as of noon on Thursday.
University spokespersons stated that school safety officials were collaborating with local and state authorities to investigate the threats. In some instances, students and faculty were instructed to shelter in place until they were notified it was safe to move within the campus.
Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) said he was “outraged and deeply disturbed” by the threats directed toward the HBCUs.
“These despicable acts are not only an assault on educational institutions — they are an attack on our history, our culture, and the promise of opportunity that HBCUs offer to generations of students,” Carter said.
He also called on the “full weight of the federal government” to join in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible.
“These attacks cannot be tolerated, minimized, or ignored. They must be met with swift and decisive action,” Carter said.
Classes and campus activities at all of the schools were canceled Thursday. Hampton University and Southern University and A&M College extended the cancelations through Friday.
“Enhanced security measures are now in effect across campus,” reads a notice posted by Hampton University. “It is imperative that all members of the Hampton University community remain vigilant.”
Some of the schools had lifted their lockdown as of Thursday afternoon, according to the most recent posts. Students and faculty were being instructed to check their emails for further updates.
This is a developing story.
