HBCUs Targeted by Third Wave of Bomb Threats

A third bomb threat in just over a month at Howard University marks a wave of threats that have targeted historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this year, with at least eight HBCUs being threatened on Jan. 4, followed by four more on Feb. 2, reports the Washington Post.

No bombs were found and law enforcement agencies have identified no possible motives for the most recent threats, but that did not stop at least 16 universities from closing or sweeping their campuses, while more than two dozen have faced similar threats in the first month of 2022.

Howard University in Washington DC  has increased police presence on campus and reminded students of the safety resources on campus and offered support as the FBI works with law enforcement partners to address potential threats and has asked the public to report anything suspicious to law enforcement immediately.

“We’ve had these challenges before,” Howard University President Wayne Frederick told CNN Tuesday. But “since I’ve been here (as a student) in 1988, it has not been this widespread and also, I think, this overt.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also is aware of bomb threats received by some HBCUs, as well as regional institutions all across the country, triggering cancellations, lockdowns and fear.

Robert Mueck, director of public safety at St. John’s College and a member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators’ Domestic Preparedness Committee, cautioned against overreactions by college officials, because the warnings, building closures and lockdowns are disruptive and alarming, while also admitting that the threats are troubling and may be motivated by bias reminiscent of the long history of intimidation and violence against Black schools.