Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) implemented lockdowns and shelter-in-place guidance on Thursday after receiving potential threats to campus safety. As of Thursday afternoon, impacted institutions included Alabama State University, Virginia State University, Hampton University (VA), Southern University (LA), Clark Atlanta University (GA), and Bethune-Cookman University (FL). Spelman College also issued precautionary guidance due to its proximity to Clark Atlanta.

What Schools Have Announced

• Hampton University (VA): Paused “non-essential” activity, including athletics, for the remainder of Thursday and Friday.
• Virginia State University (VA): Announced a campus lockdown “out of an abundance of caution” while authorities assess the threat’s credibility.
• Southern University (LA): Issued a lockdown covering its Baton Rouge campus area, later lifted; the university then canceled all campus activities and classes through the weekend.
• Bethune-Cookman University (FL): Announced a lockdown due to a potential threat.
• Clark Atlanta University (GA) & Spelman College (GA): Issued safety alerts; Spelman’s guidance was precautionary given proximity to CAU.
• Alabama State University (AL): Confirmed heightened security measures; no incidents reported.

What Authorities Are Saying

Universities urged students, faculty, and staff to follow official alerts, limit outdoor movement when instructed, and report suspicious activity. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are assisting campus police in evaluating the threats. Officials have not linked these threats to other recent incidents at this time.

Context for the HBCU Community

These alerts come amid heightened attention to campus safety nationwide. HBCUs have faced waves of threats in recent years; in 2022, multiple anonymous bomb threats disrupted several campuses. The FBI later identified a juvenile believed responsible for the majority of those racially motivated threats; no explosive devices were found in those cases.

If You’re On or Near an Affected Campus

• Follow your school’s official channels (RAVE/Omnilert texts, campus email, social media, and the university website).
• Shelter in place if instructed; avoid campus travel and keep your phone charged.
• Report tips immediately to campus police or 911 — “see something, say something.”