Wave of Threats Forces HBCUs Nationwide Into Lockdown and Cancellations

A wave of threats against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) triggered widespread campus lockdowns and emergency measures across the United States on September 11, 2025. Several campuses—spanning multiple states—implemented immediate protocols to protect students, faculty, and staff, fueling concern and disruption in Black higher education communities.

Multiple Campus Lockdowns and Emergency Alerts

At least seven HBCUs, including Alabama State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, Southern University (Louisiana), Bethune-Cookman University, and Clark Atlanta University, received credible threats or warnings and enacted lockdowns or shelter-in-place orders. Some universities, like Spelman College in Atlanta, proactively issued their own advisories because of their proximity to directly threatened campuses, such as Clark Atlanta University.

Classes, athletic events, and all non-essential campus activities were canceled at several institutions. Hampton University, for example, halted activities for Thursday and Friday and asked staff and students to remain off campus until law enforcement cleared the area. At other universities, students were told to stay in dorms, avoid campus, and stay alert for further emergency communications.

Nature and Impact of the Threats

University officials described the communications as “terroristic threats” and detailed increased law enforcement presence on or near campuses, though specifics of the threats were generally not made public. Investigations into the source and credibility of the threats were immediately launched, involving local, state, and federal agencies.

At some campuses, lockdowns were lifted by Thursday afternoon, while at others, restrictions and heightened security remained in place as law enforcement continued their investigations. Students and faculty described anxiety, confusion, and concern for personal safety as emergency protocols unfolded, highlighting the persistent emotional toll of such threats on college communities.

Context and Ongoing Pattern

These incidents follow a disturbing trend in recent years. More than two dozen HBCUs faced similar threats—including bomb threats and active shooter hoaxes—in 2022, with many cases investigated as possible hate crimes or acts of violent extremism. High-profile campus violence incidents elsewhere—including the shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University just one day earlier—have contributed to increased tension on campuses nationwide.

Rights advocates and HBCU leaders have condemned this ongoing campaign of intimidation, emphasizing the central role of HBCUs as safe havens for Black intellectual life and community, and vowing to continue collaborating with law enforcement to ensure campus safety. No injuries were reported in the September 11 incidents, but the lockdowns disrupted academic and social life for thousands and renewed calls for urgent action to protect Black colleges from targeted threats.