Multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) locked down their campuses and canceled classes Thursday after receiving unspecified threats.
Why It Matters
HBCUs have previously been targets of violent threats, leading to a federal investigation. In 2022, the FBI launched an investigation into a nationwide series of bomb threats at HBCUs as racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism and hate crimes.
What To Know
At least six HBCUs received potential threats.
Virginia State University ordered students and staff to remain indoors and canceled afternoon classes. The university said campus police, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, are investigating the credibility of the threat.
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, president of Viriginia State University, said the threat received by the university and several other HBCUs was meant to "disrupt, intimidate, and instill fear in our community."
"Let us be clear: these threats are not random," Abdullah said in a letter to the campus community. They are targeted attacks on institutions that have long stood as pillars of excellence, empowerment, and progress. HBCUs exist because we refused to be denied an education—and we thrive because we continue to rise in the face of adversity."
Abdullah continued, "To those who seek to silence or scare us: we will not be intimidated. For over a century, Virginia State University and other HBCUs have stood as a beacon of knowledge, excellence, and resilience. Today's events only reaffirm our commitment to providing a safe and empowering environment for our students, faculty, and staff. The greatest revenge is to get an education. Every step you take forward, every class you attend, and every degree you earn is an act of resistance and triumph."
He said the university remains in close coordination with law enforcement, and enhanced security will remain in place.
Hampton University also suspended all non-essential activity and canceled classes through Friday.
"The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remain our highest priority," the university said in a statement.
Hampton University also said students who reside off-campus should not come to campus, and all non-essential personnel should evacuate immediately.
Alabama State University said in a statement to USA Today that it received "terrorist threats" and suspended all campus operations as a precaution.
Clark Atlanta University said in a statement to USA Today that campus police are investigating threats and a shelter-in-place order has been lifted.
Spelman College in Atlanta said it is aware of the threats received by multiple HBCUs, including Clark Atlanta University. Spelman College said no threats have been directed at its campus but asked faculty, staff and students to shelter in place and increased security presence across campus. The college announced that the shelter in place was lifted at 1:55 p.m.
"Please remain alert, and if you see anything suspicious, report it immediately," Spelman College said.
Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge said it received "a potential threat to campus safety" and placed the campus on lockdown. The university also canceled classes through the weekend. The lockdown was lifted at 1:43 p.m.
Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, placed the school on lockdown and canceled classes due to a potential threat. The university told students to shelter in place and directed faculty and staff to leave campus.
What Is an HBCU School?
The Higher Education Act of 1965 defines an HBCU as an institution established prior to 1964, "whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans."
The college or university must also be accredited by a nationally recognized agency or association or "making reasonable progress toward accreditation."
What People Are Saying
Virginia State University, in a statement: "We understand this situation is unsettling, and we are committed to keeping you informed with timely and accurate updates."
Hampton University, in a statement: "We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for learning, living, and working."
What Happens Next
Multiple HBCUs urged their campus communities to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Update 9/11/25, 5:39 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Update 9/11/25, 1:54 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
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