why are hbcus on lockdown

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) went on lockdown primarily due to reported threats or potential threats targeting their campuses. On September 11, 2025, several HBCUs across the southern United States, including Virginia State University, Hampton University, Southern University, Bethune-Cookman University, Alabama State University, and others, enacted lockdowns, canceled classes, and increased security measures to protect students, faculty, and staff. These actions came after authorities received reports of threats that prompted investigations and precautionary responses by the institutions. While the FBI found no evidence of a credible threat and characterized some of the calls as hoaxes, the schools responded with caution due to a recent rise in threats and violence against HBCUs. Lawmakers and civil rights advocates condemned the threats as attacks on the institutions' history, culture, and student safety. The lockdowns were precautionary measures to ensure campus safety amidst an environment of heightened concern over violence and threats against these institutions.