Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz issued a statement on Tuesday condemning bomb threats that have been made to more than a dozen historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this week as the nation begins Black History Month.
“These threats of violence against historically black colleges and universities are abhorrent. No one should be threatened or targeted because of the color of their skin,” Cruz wrote.
These threats of violence against historically black colleges and universities are abhorrent. No one should be threatened or targeted because of the color of their skin. 1/x
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 2, 2022
The senator also emphasized the importance of the law enforcement investigation to find those responsible and hold them accountable.
“Law enforcement can, will, and must find the cowards responsible for creating fear in these communities and bring them to justice,” he added.
Law enforcement can, will, and must find the cowards responsible for creating fear in these communities and bring them to justice. 2/x
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 2, 2022
The Washington Post reported on Monday evening that at least 16 HBCUs received threats.
“Tuesday’s threats, most coming early in the morning on the first day of Black History Month, broadened and deepened the sense of unease: At least 16 universities closed or swept their campuses. In all, more than two dozen have faced similar threats this year,” the Post wrote.
“No bombs were found, and law enforcement agencies did not identify possible motives. But the threats weigh heavily on many, particularly given the emotional attachment and deep loyalty many students, faculty, staff and alumni feel for the campuses — a haven, a calling, a family,” it added.
Howard University was among the list of HBCUs to receive a bomb threat on Monday.
“We’ve had these challenges before,” Howard University President Wayne Frederick said Tuesday, according to CNN. But “since I’ve been here (as a student) in 1988, it has not been this widespread and also, I think, this overt.”
The campus released a shelter in place directive in the early morning hours of Monday. The shelter was lifted following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Deapartment.
🚨The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Howard University Department of Police have issued an 'ALL CLEAR' in the investigation of a bomb threat made this morning at approximately 2:55 a.m. The Shelter-In-Place directive has been lifted.
— Howard University (@HowardU) February 1, 2022
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona issued a strong statement condemning the actions on Monday.
“Our Historically Black Colleges & Universities have again been targets of disturbing threats. My team will continue to work with students, faculty, and alumni to make sure HBCUs continue to be a safe place for students to learn. Threats of violence will not be tolerated, period,” Cardona wrote.
Our Historically Black Colleges & Universities have again been targets of disturbing threats. My team will continue to work with students, faculty, and alumni to make sure HBCUs continue to be a safe place for students to learn. Threats of violence will not be tolerated, period.
— Secretary Miguel Cardona (@SecCardona) February 1, 2022
The threats were not the first to target the nation’s HBCUs. Eight schools were threatened on January 4 to being the year, according to the Post’s report. For Howard University, the threat marked the third incident this year.
Fort Valley State University in Georgia shut down operations on its campus on Monday following a bomb threat.
“Campus is currently on lockdown. Residential students remain in dorms. Non-residential students and staff should NOT report to campus until further notice. Campus operations are suspended for the day,” the university tweeted Monday morning.
#FVSU has received notice of a bomb threat. Law enforcement is investigating. Campus is currently on lockdown. Residential students remain in dorms. Non-residential students and staff should NOT report to campus until further notice. Campus operations are suspended for the day. pic.twitter.com/qvTD74Qfoj
— FORT VALLEY STATE (@FVSU) February 1, 2022
Morgan State University in Baltimore was also among the HBCUs threatened.
“Due to a bomb threat, access to campus will be closed as the University works with emergency personnel to assess the situation. Everyone on campus should shelter in place until further notice,” the school stated Monday morning.
CAMPUS ALERT: Due to a bomb threat, access to campus will be closed as the University works with emergency personnel to assess the situation. Everyone on campus should shelter in place until further notice. All instruction will be remote and all employees should telework. pic.twitter.com/O9SXT4tWBt
— Morgan State University (@MorganStateU) February 1, 2022
The Daily Wire is one of America’s fastest-growing conservative media companies and counter-cultural outlets for news, opinion, and entertainment. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a member.
Source: Dailywire
