Bomb threats issued Monday against at least a half-dozen historically Black colleges and universities — including one in Georgia — are raising concerns that the schools and students are being specifically targeted.
Albany State University closed its campuses after receiving a bomb threat to its academic buildings, officials said. Area police and the GBI were at the university to investigate.
University operations were canceled for several hours before officials allowed employees and students to return to campus Monday afternoon. The university has about 6,300 students. It has two campuses in Albany, one in Cordele, and instructional sites in Cairo and Waycross.
At least seven HBCUs, including Spelman College in Atlanta, received bomb threats a few weeks ago. No devices were found.
Other HBCUs that reportedly received threats Monday were Bethune-Cookman University in Florida, Bowie State University in Maryland, Delaware State University, Howard University in Washington, D.C., and Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana.
There are about 100 accredited HBCUs nationwide.
The congressional HBCU caucus released a statement Monday saying it’s disturbed by the threats.
“We are deeply disturbed by a second round of bomb threats at HBCU campuses within a month,” the statement said. “Learning is one of the most noble and most human pursuits, and schools are sacred places that should always be free from terror. Solving these crimes and bringing those responsible to justice should be a top priority for federal law enforcement.”
This story has been updated.
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