AT A GLANCE
- At least five HBCUs received “credible threats” of violence Thursday.
- Alabama State, Clark Atlanta, Hampton, Southern, and Virginia State were impacted.
- Most schools have lifted lockdowns, though some restrictions remain.
- Students reported fear and confusion as classes were canceled mid-morning.
HBCUs Nationwide Respond to Threats of Violence
Several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) lifted campus lockdowns Thursday after receiving “credible threats” that forced cancellations and shelter-in-place orders. Alabama State University, Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, Southern University, and Virginia State University were among those affected.
Southern University, Virginia State, and Alabama State have since ended their lockdowns, though Alabama State continues to ask students to shelter in place. Clark Atlanta and Hampton University also reported tense moments as law enforcement worked to secure their campuses.
Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, canceled classes as a precaution, despite not receiving a direct threat. Spelman College, located across the street from Clark Atlanta, also briefly ordered students and staff to shelter in place due to proximity concerns. That order has now been lifted.
Rev. Sharpton Condemns Violence Amid Campus Threats
Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued a statement denouncing both the threats against HBCUs and the recent murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an appearance at a Utah college.
“National Action Network is monitoring the ongoing threats to Alabama State, Virginia State and Hampton University. We have seen too much violence on our campuses, whether it was the brazen murder of Charlie Kirk yesterday or the threats against these HBCUs today. Colleges and Universities should be a place of free expression and debate in a way that’s respectful, engaging, and productive. What we have seen the last two days is anything but that,” Sharpton said.
He pointed to a troubling pattern of violence directed at HBCUs in recent years, including the 2023 incident at Edward Waters University and the 2024 shooting at Tuskegee University.
“Political violence or acts of hate get us nowhere. We can march, we can debate, but we cannot cause physical harm to those we disagree with,” Sharpton added, recalling that he himself was stabbed during a non-violent protest 34 years ago. “It’s why I condemned the shooting of Donald Trump last year, the murder of Charlie Kirk yesterday, and the threats to HBCUs today. I plan to add additional members to my security detail due to increased threats.”
Students Describe Chaos and Fear on Campus
At Hampton University, sophomore Kennedy Kyser recalled being in a journalism class when word spread about the threat around 10:15 a.m. “A lot of people were crying,” Kyser told NBC News. “There was a lot of confusion.”
She said the reality didn’t set in until she returned to her dorm. “It settled in then and I called my mom and aunt to come and get me,” Kyser said.
Universities Coordinate With Law Enforcement
The schools have not disclosed details about the threats but confirmed they are working with law enforcement to investigate. Alabama State University issued a statement saying it was “working in close coordination with the appropriate law enforcement agencies to assess the situation and to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader ASU community.”
As of Thursday evening, no suspects had been publicly identified.
