HBCUs keep getting bomb threats. How a bipartisan group of lawmakers is responding.
U.S. Rep. Alma Adams condemned Tuesday the recent string of bomb threats being made against historically Black colleges and universities around the country and said “terror and racism have no place on college campuses.”
“Like many others around the world, I owe our HBCUs a debt that can never be repaid,” Adams said in an emailed statement. “That is why I continue to pray for our institutions, and the souls of those who cannot or will not honor them.”
Adams, a Democrat from North Carolina, was joined by Rep. French Hill, a Republican from Arkansas, in introducing a resolution Tuesday that reaffirmed support to the colleges and their students.
The FBI is investigating bomb threats made since Jan. 1 against at least 28 HBCUs and whether those threats are racially or ethnically motivated, according to the resolution. N.C. Central University, in Durham, is among those that have been threatened.
The most recent threat on Tuesday canceled classes and left students and staff sheltering in place at Spelman College in Atlanta. It marked the third time the college has received a bomb threat this year, according to the resolution.
“I prayed for our beloved HBCUs this past week,” Adams said. “I know for a fact HBCUs can overcome any challenge. However, HBCUs shouldn’t have to face the violence and terror my generation experienced during segregation.”
Arkansas’ HBCUs have received a number of bomb threats that were concerning to Hill, who said he is proud to stand with Adams on the resolution.
Adams has strong ties to HBCUs in North Carolina. She twice graduated from N.C. A&T State University and worked for four decades as a professor at Bennett College. Both campuses are located in Greensboro.
Adams also founded and co-chairs the Congressional Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus.
She said her prayers also extend to the perpetrators.
“I am praying that you learn from the pain you’ve caused,” Adams said. “I am praying that the hate that inspired these acts leaves your heart forever.”
This story was originally published February 9, 2022 at 9:56 AM with the headline "HBCUs keep getting bomb threats. How a bipartisan group of lawmakers is responding.."