Several Black colleges and universities in the US received bomb threats and put their campuses on lockdown on Tuesday, a day after a rash of similar threats forced the cancellation of classes for the day at a number of schools.
Howard University in Washington, University of the District of Columbia, Kentucky State, Xavier University of Louisiana and Fort Valley State in Georgia were among the historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) reporting threats, according to Twitter postings and local media.
“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,” Fort Valley State said in a tweet.
Howard gave the all clear on Tuesday morning after the campus received a threat at about 2.55am, it said on Twitter.
Several HBCUs, Howard among them, told students and staff on Monday to shelter in place and canceled classes for the day after similar threats. Authorities said they did not find any suspicious devices, allowing the schools to reopen.
A similar rash of threats to HBCUs occurred earlier in January.
“The FBI is aware of the series of bomb threats around the country and we are working with our law enforcement partners to address any potential threats,” the FBI said in a statement on Tuesday.
The agency encouraged members of the public to report anything suspicious to the bureau.
Students at Xavier University in Louisiana were told to stay in their dorm rooms until further notice and to monitor university channels.
“ALERT! XULA has received a bomb threat and is working with authorities. Campus will be remote until 12pm,” the school said in a tweet.
