HBCUs Nationwide Implement Lockdowns and Cancel Classes Amid Threat Investigations
Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide implemented lockdowns and canceled classes following widespread threats, prompting an FBI investigation into these serious but unconfirmed calls.
HBCUs receive 'terroristic' threats prompting lockdowns
Washington Examiner
At least 7 HBCU campuses locked down due to threats
New York Daily News
Overview
- Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across states like Georgia, Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama initiated lockdowns and canceled classes due to various threats.
- Institutions such as Alabama State University ordered shelter-in-place and police searches, while Hampton University closed its campus and evacuated non-essential personnel in response to the potential threats.
- Some universities canceled classes and sent students home, with others like Southern University lifting lockdowns but canceling activities for days, emphasizing ongoing caution and increased security measures.
- The FBI is actively investigating these incidents, taking the 'hoax threat calls' seriously, though they have not indicated any credible, immediate threat to the campuses.
- U.S. Rep. Troy Carter condemned these threats against HBCUs as reprehensible attacks, highlighting the broader concern for safety and well-being at these vital institutions.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of the threats, the immediate responses by HBCUs, and official assessments. They present the FBI's characterization of the calls as 'hoax threat calls' alongside the serious impact on campuses, providing a balanced overview without adopting evaluative language in their own narrative.
"A series of reported threats toward historically Black colleges and universities across the U.S. on Thursday led to lockdown orders, canceled classes and heightened security."
ABC News"A series of reported threats toward historically Black colleges and universities across the U.S. on Thursday led to lockdown orders, canceled classes and heightened security."
Associated Press"Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities have gone into lockdown after threats were directed at the campus, school officials announced."
USA TODAYArticles (7)
FAQ
The threats were hoax threat calls targeting multiple HBCUs, which led to lockdowns and class cancellations as precautionary measures; no specific credible or immediate threats have been confirmed.
At least six HBCUs were affected: Southern University, Clark Atlanta University, Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, Alabama State University, Virginia State University, and additionally Spelman College placed shelter-in-place due to proximity to Clark Atlanta.
The FBI is actively investigating the hoax threat calls, working with local, state, and federal partners to assess and share threat information; no credible threats have been identified so far, but authorities urge vigilance.
No injuries or physical incidents have been reported at any of the HBCU campuses in connection with the threats; all measures have been precautionary and for safety.
U.S. Rep. Troy Carter condemned the threats as reprehensible attacks on vital institutions, and civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton called for an end to threats and violence targeting HBCU campuses, emphasizing the need for increased security and community vigilance.
History
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4 articles