The Chair of the Black AIDS Institute Grazell Howard released a statement regarding the bomb threats that have recently been made to HBCUs, or historically black colleges and universities. More than a dozen threats were made to schools such as Howard University, Southern University, Morgan State University, as well as many others. The police are still investigating who issued these claims and are suggesting that these crimes may be related. Here is what Howard had to say:
“As an alumni of two prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities, I’m horrified to learn of the heinous threats of violence that are putting students at HBCUs under siege. The Black AIDS Institute condemns these acts. It is abhorrent that on the first day of Black History Month, more than 13 HBCUs had to lock down their campuses and postpone classes because of bomb threats. While no explosives have been found, law enforcement at the highest levels must step in and ensure that our students and communities are safe.
Domestic terrorism targeting the African American community speaks to the stain of America’s history and the current crisis of race relations in our country. We must treat Racism like the public health epidemic that it is. Many states, cities and counties have done just that, and we applaud these efforts. But we need elected officials in every state to do the same. We also need swift action from the federal government to investigate and punish those responsible for these vile acts.
For our part, BAI will continue to fight against racism, sexism, xenophobia, transphobia, and the stigmas that threaten our communities. We will stand shoulder to shoulder to lift up students at HBCUs and throughout all of our communities and we will continue the important work of fighting for voting rights, social justice, education, and health equity for communities of color that have been under siege for far too long.”
