The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) unequivocally condemns the series of terroristic threats made against historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) this week. These threats prompted lockdowns, class cancellations, and widespread fear at institutions including Hampton University, Virginia State University, Alabama State University, Bethune-Cookman University, and others — and are part of a broader pattern of racialized attacks aimed at historically Black institutions.
LDF Associate Director-Counsel Todd A. Cox issued the following statement:
“We are deeply outraged and disturbed by the recent wave of antagonistic threats targeting historically Black colleges and universities. Once again, HBCU communities find themselves in the crossfire of terror aimed at desecrating their right to learn safely and without fear for their lives.
“These incidents echo prior waves of bomb threats in 2022 and the tragic 2023 shooting near Edward Waters University. They are shamefully indicative of a deep-rooted legacy of racial terror in this country that HBCUs were built to defy and rise above. For generations, Black students and educators have pursued academic excellence in the face of intimidation, and these threats underscore both the resilience of HBCUs and the urgent need to safeguard them.
“As a nation, we must demand better to ensure their full protection and dignity. Now is the time for swift action, full accountability, and a collective stand against racism, intimidation, and vitriolic extremism. Officials must reject any efforts to dismiss credible threats or write them off as ‘hoaxes,’ particularly given this country’s history of racialized violence. Local and state officials must respond decisively and thoroughly to ensure the safety of HBCU campus communities. We also join the Congressional Black Caucus and others in urging the Department of Justice and FBI to swiftly investigate the origin of these threats to uphold their responsibilities to protect the American people.”
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Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation’s first civil rights law organization. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957 — although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.
