HBCU’s discuss moving forward after bomb threats

Last week, Jackson State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley State, and Tougaloo College all posted on social media reporting they had received bomb threats.

Mississippi Valley State received a threat through its guardhouse and put the campus on lockdown while an investigation was conducted.

Tougaloo College cleared its campus after the threat was issued and advised students that the campus would operate virtually.

Jackson State conducted a sweep of the campus and Alcorn State advised students to shelter in place and faculty and staff were asked not to report to work.

Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center hosted a virtual roundtable with the presidents of the different universities to discuss developments and forward-looking plans following the bomb threats. Alcorn State University President Dr. Felecia M. Nave said, “If we look historically back during the Civil Rights Era, of the pictures of hangings and different things and children were there. Part of the process requires changing hearts and minds. It starts at a very early age, yet we are still in a space where we continue to mislead our youth who are ultimately our future.”

Other HBCU presidents touched on how their colleges and universities are safe spaces where African-American students go to for the advancement of their education and also a way to embrace and enjoy their shared experiences and rich culture.