‘It’s been overwhelming’: Bethune-Cookman students express relief as lockdown ends after nationwide HBCU threat

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman University reopened Friday morning after students spent more than 12 hours under a shelter-in-place order prompted by threats made against several historically Black colleges and universities across the country.

University officials lifted the lockdown early Friday morning after campus police determined there was no credible threat to the Daytona Beach campus.

[WATCH BELOW: Bethune-Cookman University initiates lockdown over ‘potential threat’]

For many students, the lockdown brought hours of uncertainty and anxiety.

“When I got that email, it didn’t specifically say it was a threat. It was more like it was a lockdown,” said Camarae’ Bickley, a sophomore at Bethune-Cookman. “I thought there was a shooter on the campus ,and I was freaking out really bad because at that time I was getting ready for class. But a few minutes later they sent an email saying that it was a threat.”

Freshman Chance Grant said the restrictions were overwhelming.

“It’s been concerning a little bit by not letting us look out the windows or not be on our phones,” Grant said. “It’s just been overwhelming and stress.”

Throughout the night, campus leaders sent emails and text alerts urging students to stay indoors until it was safe. Bickley said the communication helped ease some of her fears.

“I’ve heard we’ve gotten a few emails in between from our president,” Bickley said. “So I think in terms of response, I think it was a very good response time.”

No threat was found on campus, but university officials said safety will remain their top priority as the investigation continues.

Students said that while the lockdown was stressful, they were grateful to return to class Friday and credited the school’s quick communication for helping them feel safe.