Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the U.S. initiated a lockdown or shelter-in-place order on Thursday morning after receiving potential threats made against the universities. As of Thursday afternoon, those schools included Virginia State University, Hampton University, Alabama State University, Southern University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Georgia HBCUs Morehouse College, Spelman College, Morris-Brown, and Clark Atlanta University.
Spelman, Morris-Brown, and Morehouse announced their lockdowns after Clark Atlanta received a direct threat. Out of precaution and due to their close proximity, the schools initiated their own lockdowns and increased security presence around campus. The shelter-in-place for Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta has since been lifted.
In a statement made by Clark Atlanta to The Atlanta Voice through text, the university said:
“We were addressing a situation on campus that requires a shelter-in-place notice as a precautionary measure. That shelter-in-place mandate has been lifted.
We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the campus community. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our priority is the safety of all students, faculty and staff.”
Schools advised faculty, staff, and students to shelter in place and avoid the campus. Southern University in Louisiana, Virginia State, and Hampton University have canceled Thursday and/or Friday classes, disrupting the academic year less than a month in. These threats come on the day of remembrance for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a day after American right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event.
In several social media posts, officials urge students to remain alert and report anything suspicious. CAU campus police, in conjunction with the Atlanta Police Department, are actively investigating threats made to the campus.
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Laura Nwogu
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