HBCUs Lift Lockdowns After Threats Prompt Class Cancellations

Several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) lifted campus lockdowns Thursday after a wave of threats forced schools to cancel classes and order students to shelter in place.

At least five campuses — Alabama State University, Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, Southern University, and Virginia State University — reported receiving threats that officials initially considered “credible.” While most of the emergency measures have since been lifted, some restrictions remain in place.

Southern University and Virginia State University reopened after brief lockdowns. Alabama State also ended its lockdown but continues to advise students to remain sheltered.

The schools have not shared details about the threats, but each confirmed they are working with law enforcement. The FBI later described the calls as a “hoax.”

“The FBI is aware of hoax threat calls to a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” the agency said in a statement. “We take these threats very seriously because they put innocent people at risk. While we have no evidence of a credible threat, we will continue coordinating with our law enforcement partners to investigate.”

Students on the affected campuses described confusion and fear as events unfolded. At Hampton University, sophomore Kennedy Kyser said she was in a journalism class when word spread that there was a threat. “A lot of people were crying,” she recalled. “There was a lot of confusion.”

Kyser later left class for her dorm room, where the reality of the situation hit her. “It settled in then, and I called my mom and aunt to come get me,” she said.

Other schools also took precautions. Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach canceled classes, even though no direct threat was reported. In Atlanta, Spelman College ordered students and staff to shelter in place due to its proximity to Clark Atlanta. That order has since been lifted.

Alabama State issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to campus safety: “We are working in close coordination with the appropriate law enforcement agencies to assess the situation and to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader ASU community.”

While the immediate danger has passed, many students say the uncertainty and fear from the day will linger.