Federal authorities said they are investigating numerous bomb threats at Carolinas-based historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
In a statement to NBC affiliate WRAL, FBI spokesperson Shelley Lynch confirmed that the Bureau is investigating these new cases at Fayetteville State University and at Clafin University, located in North and South Carolina, respectively.
“The FBI takes all threats seriously, and we are committed to thoroughly and aggressively investigating these threats. We would like to remind members of the public that if they observe anything suspicious or have information about potential threats to report it to law enforcement immediately, call 1-800-CALL FBI or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov,” Lynch said in a statement.
Fayetteville State University said in its own statement that it has suspended classes in accordance with campus policies and procedures due to federal authorities’ investigation.
FSU also asked its employees and commuter students to exit the campus in an orderly manner, and urged residential students to remain in place.
“I am deeply disturbed by the recent reports of senseless bomb threats directed at HBCUs across our nation and particularly at Fayetteville State University on today. Considering this threat, we acted quickly to ensure the health and safety of our university community. This university remains committed to our mission and vision of educating bright leaders all while making safety our first priority,” Chancellor Darrell T. Allison said in a statement.
This comes as federal authorities have recorded bomb threats against 17 HBCUs across the country since Feb.7, according to WRAL.
In a statement, Working Families Party national director Maurice Mitchell said HBCUs are targeted in these bomb threats because they represent independence and resilience for the Black community, which is considered a threat to white supremacy, WRAL noted.
“The mere existence of Black schools, Black churches, Black political organizations and Black business are a threat,” Mitchell said. “We see upswings in these attacks as backlash to Black resistance, the exercising of independent Black political power, the influence of Black social movements.”
The Hill has reached out to the FBI for more information.