By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
AT least five historically Black colleges in the United States were forced to lock down their campuses, cancel classes or order students to shelter in place on Thursday following what officials described as “credible threats” of violence. Most of the precautionary measures have since been lifted.
The affected institutions included Alabama State University, Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, Southern University and Virginia State University. Both Southern University and Virginia State University have lifted their lockdowns, while Alabama State University has also eased restrictions but is still urging students to remain sheltered.
Although none of the schools have disclosed the nature of the threats, all confirmed that they are working closely with law enforcement authorities.
Kennedy Kyser, a second-year student at Hampton University, said she was in a journalism class around 10:15 a.m. watching a 9/11 documentary when news of the threat spread. “A lot of people were crying,” she told our source, describing scenes of panic as she and others left the classroom to find a lobby crowded with distressed students.
Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, also cancelled classes as a precaution despite not receiving a direct threat. In Atlanta, Spelman College ordered students and staff to shelter in place because of its proximity to Clark Atlanta University, though the directive has now been lifted.
In a statement, Alabama State University said it was “working in close coordination with the appropriate law enforcement agencies to assess the situation and to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader ASU community.”
Kyser later recounted that while she had initially remained calm, the reality of the situation struck once she reached her dormitory. “It settled in then and I called my mum and aunt to come and get me,” she said.
Source: NBC News
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