Following unspecified threats on campuses nationwide, Atlanta’s historically Black colleges and universities briefly went on lockdown Thursday.
Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown, Morehouse and Spelman colleges each issued shelter-in-place orders after a late-morning threat to Clark Atlanta.
By 2 p.m., the orders at each of the HBCUs were lifted.
Initially, Clark Atlanta University campus police, in conjunction with the Atlanta Police Department, were actively investigating an unspecified threat.
“We are currently addressing a situation on campus that requires a shelter-in-place notice as a precautionary measure. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the campus community. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our priority is the safety of all students, faculty and staff,” the university said in a statement.
Spelman College said it had not received any threats.
“However, we are aware of threats received today by several HBCU’s, including Clark Atlanta University. Out of precaution and our close proximity to CAU, Spelman College issued shelter in place advisory for our campus,” Spelman said in a statement.
Morris Brown College ramped up safety measures on its campus before issuing the shelter-in-place order, telling students to “go to a safe place on campus” and warning: “No one is to leave the building at this time.”
“Based on threats I’ve heard about at other campuses, we have increased security,” Kevin E. James, Morris Brown’s president, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Atlanta University Center’s response mirrored actions at several HBCUs nationwide that also received threats Thursday, a day after Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
Alabama State University shut down campus operations Thursday morning because of a terroristic threat, according to AL.com. Virginia State University issued an “urgent alert,” declaring the campus closed. Hampton University, also in Virginia, has received notice of a potential threat and has ceased all nonessential activity, the school said in a statement on its website.
“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors remain our highest priority,” the statement said.
Southern University in Louisiana ordered a lockdown, according to several published reports.
The Congressional Black Caucus released a statement Thursday afternoon urging the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI to fully investigate the threats.
“These terrorists threats, designed to intimidate and foment hatred against everyday Americans—in this case, Black institutions of higher learning—cannot go unchallenged and must not be swept away," the statement said. “Black students and HBCU communities deserve to be protected.”
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