This week, Black students across the United States were forced to confront a terrifying reality: coordinated racist death threats targeting their campuses and communities. At least eight historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were placed under emergency lockdowns following a wave of terroristic threats that came just one day after the murder of far-right activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
While the shooter, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old white man, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, the aftermath has taken a disturbing turn. Instead of mourning Kirk’s death or focusing on the facts of the case, extremist groups appear to be weaponizing the tragedy to target Black students, falsely linking them to the violence and unleashing a wave of racist threats.
HBCUs Under Siege
The following institutions were forced into lockdowns due to credible threats of violence:
- Alabama State University
- Virginia State University
- Hampton University
- Spelman College
- Southern University and A&M College
- Clark Atlanta University
- Morehouse College
- Bethune-Cookman University
At Virginia State University, President Makola M. Abdullah stated, “Today, Virginia State University, along with several other Historically Black Colleges and Universities, received a threat intended to disrupt, intimidate and instill fear in our community.”
Southern University enacted the most extensive lockdown, restricting access across the entire Baton Rouge landmass, including its law center, agricultural research and extension center, and laboratory school. Hampton University canceled all classes and activities through Friday, while Alabama State University suspended operations “out of an abundance of caution.”
NYU and the Manifesto of Hate
At New York University, Black students received a grotesque and violent manifesto that explicitly threatened gun violence against them. The document reportedly stated the author was “coming for only n******,” and claimed that Black students were “taking away from a safe space for white people.”
The NYU Black Student Union condemned the university’s response, noting that administrators waited over six hours before informing students that the manifesto specifically targeted Black students. This delay left many feeling vulnerable, betrayed, and unprotected.
The Kirk Shooting and the Dangerous Narrative
Charlie Kirk was shot by a white man who, according to court documents, believed Kirk “spread too much hate”. The shooter had no known ties to Black communities or HBCUs. Yet, in the wake of his death, racist extremists have twisted the narrative to justify targeting Black students, despite the fact that they were not involved.
This is not just misinformation. It’s weaponized racism.
The FBI has acknowledged that many of these threats may be hoaxes, but emphasized that they are still dangerous and disruptive. “The FBI takes these threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” the agency stated.
The Emotional Toll on Students
For Black students, this week has been a nightmare. Many were forced to shelter in place, cancel classes, and live under the shadow of fear. The psychological impact is profound, students are reporting anxiety, trauma, and a deep sense of being unsafe in spaces that are supposed to nurture and protect them.
Call to Action: Stand Up for Black Students
This is a moment for solidarity, truth, and action. We must:
- Demand transparency and accountability from university officials
- Support mental health resources for affected students
- Pressure law enforcement to investigate these threats as hate crimes
- Amplify the voices of Black student unions and advocacy groups
- Refuse to let racist narratives go unchecked
Silence is complicity. Let’s be loud, clear, and united.
