Several HBCUs issued alerts Thursday after receiving “potential” threats.
WASHINGTON — Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities around the country have received possible threats, leading to lockdowns and closed campuses on Thursday.
At least six HBCU institutions have reported potential threats to their campuses.
These include Alabama State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, Clark Atlanta University, Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge and Bethune-Cookman University.
The FBI issued a statement to ABC News regarding the threats on Thursday, saying federal investigators are “aware of hoax threat calls” to a number of historically Black institutions.
“The FBI takes these threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” the agency said in a statement shared to ABC News, adding that there is currently no information to indicate a credible threat.
Lockdowns and alerts were issued around noon E.T. on Thursday. Some schools began lifting their shelter-in-place after a few hours but urged students to remain vigilant.
Alabama State University
Alabama State University suspended all campus activities on Thursday, Sept. 11 after going on lockdown for what officials said were “terroristic threats” aimed at campus.
A university spokesperson told WZDX that campus operations were shut down while authorities assess the situation.
“We are working in close coordination with the appropriate law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader ASU community,” the spokesperson said. “The safety of our Hornet family is our highest priority.”
Bethune-Cookman University
Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, was on lockdown after a potential threat to campus safety.
School officials told WPBF that the lockdown was a precaution and canceled all classes on campus. Students were told to return to their dorm and shelter in place.
Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College
Spelman College in Georgia temporarily placed a shelter in place for its students following threats to nearby Clark Atlanta University, another HBCU.
The lockdown was lifted a few hours later, according to an update posted by Spelman College on its social media.
Spelman College said there were not threats directed to its campus, but they have increased security presence around the school.
“Out of precaution and due to our close proximity, we are asking Spelman faculty, staff, and students to shelter in place and avoid the CAU campus until further notice,” Spelman College said in a statement on X.
Hampton University
Hampton University officials have shut down all non-essential operations and canceled classes for Thursday, Sept. 11 and Friday, Sept. 12 after receiving notice of a potential threat to campus.
In a statement released to WVEC, university officials said the decision was made “effective immediately” to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All athletic events and activities are also canceled through the end of the week.
Students and staff currently on campus are urged to limit movement to essential activities only, while those who live off campus are advised not to come to the university at this time. Non-essential personnel, including faculty and staff, have been directed to evacuate the campus immediately. Enhanced security measures are now in effect.
The university is encouraging the community to hold meetings remotely and to remain vigilant. “If you see something, say something,” the statement read.
Virginia State University
Virginia State University was on lockdown Thursday following a reported threat to campus safety, university officials confirmed to WVEC.
VSU Police, in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, are actively investigating the credibility of the threat. No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the situation.
The campus will remain on lockdown until further notice, and all afternoon classes and extracurricular activities have been canceled. Students residing in VSU-managed housing will be provided meals, with detailed instructions sent via email. Additional security personnel are present on campus and are also monitoring VSU-run off-campus housing locations.
Southern University and A&M College
Students and staff at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were under lockdown on Thursday morning due to a “potential threat.”
“Southern University and A&M College has received a potential threat to campus safety and is on lockdown,” the university said in a campus alert posted to Facebook. “The lockdown applies to the entire Baton Rouge landmass, which also includes Southern University Law Center, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and Southern University Laboratory School. If you are on campus, you should shelter in place until further notice, as the University is working with law enforcement agencies.”
The lockdown was lifted at 1 p.m. ET.
“The lockdown due to a campus safety threat has been lifted on the Southern University Baton Rouge landmass. Effective immediately, all campus activities and classes are cancelled on Thursday, September 11, Friday, September 12, and through the weekend,” the university said in an update.