Multiple HBCUs Go On Lockdown in Response to Threats

"At least seven historically Black colleges and universities across the country went into lockdown on Thursday after institutions received threats, which they did not elaborate on. Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana asked those on campus to shelter in place in response to a "potential threat to campus safety." The lockdown applied to the "entire Baton Rouge landmass," including the Southern University Law Center, the Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and the university's Laboratory School, according to a statement from the institution."

"The lockdown lifted in the afternoon, but all classes and campus activities were canceled through the weekend. Alabama State University also received a "terroristic threat," university officials told local media outlets, and shut down campus as law enforcement officials checked buildings. The university sent an all-clear notice later in the day, noting that "the immediate threat has been resolved," but told students to continue to shelter in place."

"Two HBCUs in Virginia were also targeted. Virginia State University went into lockdown while local, state and federal law enforcement agencies investigated the credibility of a threat received earlier that day, according to a message from the Virginia State University Office of Communications and University Relations. University officials assured students, "No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the threat" and said they would be provided with meals in university housing during the lockdown."

At least seven historically Black colleges and universities across the country went into lockdown after receiving unspecified threats. Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana ordered shelter-in-place across the entire Baton Rouge landmass, affecting the law center, research center, and laboratory school; the lockdown lifted in the afternoon but classes and activities were canceled through the weekend. Alabama State University received a "terroristic threat," briefly shut down as law enforcement checked buildings, then issued an all-clear while urging continued sheltering in place. Virginia State and Hampton Universities also locked down or canceled activities; officials reported no injuries while investigations continued.

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