why are hbcus being threatened

HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are being threatened primarily due to racially or ethnically motivated acts of violent extremism and hate crimes. Recent threats, including bomb threats and terroristic threats, have led to multiple HBCUs going into lockdown and canceling classes. These threats often generate fear and disruption, though investigations frequently find them to be hoaxes or linked to prank callers. The threats represent attacks not only on the institutions but also on the history, culture, and opportunities that HBCUs stand for. They have occurred in the context of heightened racial tensions and have drawn condemnation from political leaders and calls for federal investigations into domestic terrorism. This pattern of threats is part of a larger history of violence and intimidation against HBCUs, including previous bomb threats in 2022, shootings, and hate crimes recorded in recent years.